ISSN: 0022-1198
Page Count: 2

A Fatality Due to the Intranasal Abuse of Methylphenidate (Ritalin®)
Carpenter, DA
Forensic Toxicologist, Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, Paul Shoffeitt Laboratories, AL

Massello, W
Assistant Chief Medical Examiner, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Commonwealth of Virginia, VA

(Received 15 December 1997; accepted 16 June 1998)

Abstract

A fatality in a teenager from the recreational intranasal abuse of methylphenidate (Ritalin®) is reported. The prescribed use of methylphenidate (Ritalin®) in the treatment of attention deficit and/or hyperactivity disorder is widespread. The intranasal abuse of methylphenidate (Ritalin®) among teenagers is becoming increasingly more recognized. Previous deaths from the parenteral abuse of methylphenidate (Ritalin®) have been reported. This fatality is the first reported from its intranasal abuse.

Keywords:
forensic science, forensic pathology, forensic toxicology, fatality, death, methylphenidate, Ritalin®, intranasal, teenage, drug abuse

Paper ID: JFS14440J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS14440J
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