ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 March 1987
Page Count: 7

Analysis of 2-Hydroxyimipramine in an Imipramine-Related Fatality
Fraser, AD
Head, Toxicology Laboratory, Victoria General Hospital, Nova Scotia

Isner, AF
Technologist, Toxicology Laboratory, Victoria General Hospital, Nova Scotia

Susnik, E
Technologist, Toxicology Laboratory, Victoria General Hospital, Nova Scotia

(Received 29 January 1986; accepted 14 April 1986)

Abstract

A fatality following ingestion of the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine (Novopramine®), acetaminophen, and ethyl alcohol is described. Imipramine, desipramine, acetaminophen, and 2-hydroxyimipramine were quantitated by high performance liquid chromatography, and ethyl alcohol by gas liquid chromatography. Concentrations of imipramine, desipramine, 2-hydroxyimipramine, and acetaminophen were: in blood—9.0, 1.1, 3.9, and 11 mg/L; in urine—92, 14, and 42 mg/L (acetaminophen not quantitated in urine). Ethyl alcohol concentration in blood was <10 mg/dL and 105 mg/dL in the urine by headspace gas chromatography. These findings are compared to previous reports of imipramine-related fatalities. To our knowledge, this is the first fatality reported involving imipramine where analysis included quantitation of 2-hydroxyimipramine in blood and urine.

Keywords:
toxicology, imipramine, chromatographic analysis, 2-hydroxyimipramine, anti-depressants

Paper ID: JFS11159J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11159J
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