Zaleplon (Sonata) analysis in postmortem specimens by gas chromatography-electron capture detection

Area of Science:

• Forensic Toxicology
• Analytical Chemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Zaleplon (Sonata) is a sedative hypnotic approved for short-term insomnia treatment.
• Limited postmortem toxicology data exists for zaleplon despite its FDA approval in 1999.

Observation:

• A robust analytical method was developed using liquid-liquid and solid-phase extraction, followed by gas chromatography-electron capture detection.
• The method demonstrated linearity from 5.0 to 150 ng/mL, with LOQ and LOD at 3.0 and 0.50 ng/mL, respectively.

Findings:

• Postmortem zaleplon concentrations were quantified in various biological specimens, including central blood, femoral blood, liver, spleen, bile, urine, vitreous humor, and gastric contents.
• Concentrations varied significantly across different tissues and cases, with central blood ranging from 6.1-1490 ng/mL.

Implications:

• This validated method and reported tissue distribution data are essential resources for forensic toxicologists.
• The findings will enhance the accurate interpretation of zaleplon levels in postmortem investigations.