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Related Experiment Videos

Fatality resulting from metoprolol overdose.

T P Rohrig1, D A Rundle, W N Leifer

  • 1Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Toxicology Laboratory, Topeka 66612.

Journal of Analytical Toxicology
|September 1, 1987
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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An intentional overdose of metoprolol caused a fatality. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry confirmed lethal metoprolol concentrations in blood, bile, urine, and vitreous humor, alongside significant blood ethanol levels.

Area of Science:

  • Forensic Toxicology
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • Metoprolol is a commonly prescribed beta-blocker used to manage cardiovascular conditions.
  • Intentional overdose cases require accurate toxicological analysis for accurate cause of death determination.
  • Establishing therapeutic and toxic ranges for medications is crucial in forensic investigations.

Observation:

  • A case study detailing a death resulting from an intentional metoprolol overdose.
  • The presence and concentration of metoprolol were determined using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).
  • Significant blood ethanol concentration was also noted as a contributing toxicological finding.

Findings:

  • Quantification of metoprolol in postmortem samples: blood (19.8 mg/L), bile (83.1 mg/L), urine (1.6 mg/L), and vitreous humor (15.1 mg/L).

Related Experiment Videos

  • Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry confirmed the identity of metoprolol in biological matrices.
  • A blood ethanol concentration of 0.25 g/100 mL was identified as the sole additional significant toxicological finding.

    • Implications:

    • This case highlights the potential lethality of metoprolol overdose.
    • Accurate analytical methods are essential for quantifying drug levels in forensic toxicology.
    • Understanding toxicological profiles in overdose cases aids in clinical and legal proceedings.