Journal Published Online: 01 November 2001
Volume 46, Issue 6

Timely Antemortem and Postmortem Concentrations in a Fatal Carbamazepine Overdose

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

There are no published reports that include both timely antemortem and postmortem carbamazepine concentrations after massive overdose. We report a fatal overdose of carbamazepine with both timely antemortem and postmortem carbamazepine concentrations. Carbamazepine concentrations were 47.7 mcg/mL 2 h antemortem and 53 mcg/mL at 9 h postmortem. The slight rise in drug concentration may reflect continued absorption of the drug in the last 2 h before death. Postmortem carbamazepine concentrations drawn from a peripheral vessel in this patient appeared to reflect drug concentrations at the time of death.

Author Information

Spiller, HA
Kentucky Regional Poison Center of Kosair Children's Hospital, Louisville, KY
Carlisle, RD
Hardin Memorial Hospital, Elizabethtown, KY
Pages: 3
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS15182J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS15182J