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Fatal intoxication with labetalol (Trandate)
Stanislas Grassin Delyle1, Charlotte Duverneuil-Mayer, Emuri Abe
1Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Raymond Poincaré Universitary Hospital, AP-HP, 104 Boulevard Raymond Poincaré, 92380 Garches, France.
Forensic Science International
|April 15, 2008
Summary
This case report details the first fatal intoxication from labetalol, a beta-blocker. High labetalol levels were found in tissues after the patient
Area of Science:
- Forensic toxicology
- Clinical pharmacology
- Cardiovascular medicine
Background:
- A 44-year-old woman with a history of depression and alcoholism was found deceased.
- Autopsy revealed non-specific histological findings, necessitating toxicological investigation.
Observation:
- Toxicology analysis detected ethanol, meprobamate, and nordazepam.
- Significantly elevated levels of labetalol were identified in blood and urine.
- Labetalol concentrations were further quantified in various visceral organs and gastric contents.
Findings:
- The study reports the first documented case of fatal labetalol intoxication.
- Acute toxicity of labetalol is implicated as the cause of death.
- Tissue distribution analysis of labetalol provides insights into its post-mortem pharmacokinetics.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for labetalol toxicity, even in therapeutic contexts.
- Understanding labetalol's tissue distribution is crucial for forensic investigations.
- Clinicians should be aware of the potential for severe adverse events with labetalol.
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