A tapentadol related fatality: Case report with postmortem concentrations.

Tapentadol (TAP) is an analgesic agent indicated for the management of different types of pain. It has a novel mechanism of action in that it induces analgesia via both μ-opioid receptor agonism and norepinephrine reuptake inhibition. Although deaths associated with TAP use have been reported, there is a paucity of published literature regarding TAP concentrations in biological samples obtained from TAP-associated fatalities.

Postmortem distribution of trazodone concentrations.

Non-toxic postmortem trazodone tissue (liver) concentrations have not been previously described. Liver trazodone concentrations were compared to peripheral blood and central blood concentrations in 19 medical examiner cases. Postmortem blood specimens were initially screened for alcohol and simple volatiles, drugs of abuse, and alkaline drugs.

Acute benztropine intoxication and fatality.

A woman was found unresponsive with an empty bottle of Cogentin(®) prescribed to another. Admitted to an area hospital, her condition steadily declined until death 29 h after admission. Following toxicological screening on hospital (admission) whole blood, the only significant compound detected was benztropine.

Hydroxyzine distribution in postmortem cases and potential for redistribution.

Hydroxyzine is an antihistaminic with sedative properties used in the control of anxiety and emesis. Peripheral blood hydroxyzine concentrations are compared to central blood and liver concentrations in 10 medical examiner cases. Specimens were initially screened for alcohol and simple volatiles by GC-FID headspace analysis, ELISA for drugs of abuse, and alkaline drugs by GC/MS.

Sertraline concentrations and postmortem redistribution.

Sertraline is a commonly prescribed selective inhibitor of serotonin uptake used for the treatment of mental depression and anxiety. Central blood and liver concentrations of sertraline (norsertraline) are compared to levels in peripheral blood in nine medical examiner cases. Specimens were initially screened for alcohol and simple volatiles by GC-FID headspace analysis, ELISA for drugs of abuse, and alkaline drugs by GC/MS.