ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 3

Dispensing Error Causing Fatal Chlorpropamide Intoxication in a Nondiabetic
Scala-Barnett, DM
forensic pathologist, Lucas County Coroner's Office, OH

Donoghue, ER
Deputy chief medical examiner, Office of the Medical Examiner of Cook County, IL

(Received 26 February 1985; accepted 10 June 1985)

Abstract

A 38-year-old nondiabetic female developed fatal hypoglycemia when chlorpropamide (Diabinese®) was accidentally substituted for acetaminophen (Tylenol®) with codeine no. 3 in a pharmacy dispensing error. When found, the patient's serum glucose was less than 20 mg/dL. The serum chlorpropamide level on hospital admission was 124 µg/mL. The possibility of dispensing error should be considered whenever unexpected drug effects are encountered. In cases of suspected drug overdose, labels and contents of medicine vials found at the scene should be checked for discrepancy.

Keywords:
pathology and biology, accidents, chlorpropamide, iatrogenic injury, dispensing error, hypoglycemia

Paper ID: JFS11885J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11885J
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