ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 July 2002
Page Count: 3

Postmortem Concentrations of Citalopram
McIntyre, IM
Forensic Toxicologist and Manager of Toxicology, Monash University, Victoria

Lynch, MJ
Senior Forensic Pathologist, Monash University, Victoria

Anastos, N
Forensic Toxicologist, Monash University, Victoria

Drummer, OH
Head of Scientific Services, and Associate Professor of Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Victoria

(Received 16 February 2002; accepted 8 February 2002)

Abstract

The postmortem concentrations of citalopram in blood, bile, liver, and vitreous humour were investigated in 14 cases using a spe-cially developed high performance liquid chromatography assay. Concentrations from drug and non-drug related deaths were categorized to deter-mine a postmortem therapeutic and toxic range. Therapeutic citalopram concentrations for blood, bile, liver, and vitreous humour ranged to 0.4 mg/L, 2.1 mg/l, 6.6 mg/kg, and 0.2 mg/L, respectively. In one potentially fatal response to citalopram, concentrations were 0.8 mg/L, 6.0 mg/L, 0.3 mg/L for blood, bile and vitreous humour, respectively.

Keywords:
forensic science, forensic toxicology, citalopram, postmortem, toxicity, serotonin reuptake inhibitor

Paper ID: JFS15458J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS15458J
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