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Does a barbiturate drug given in lethal dose enter the cornea?
Abstract:
We wished to see whether sodium phenobarbital (one of the commonest drugs used to commit suicide) given in a lethal dose would enter the cornea. Guinea pigs and rabbits were killed with an overdose of the drug. Using gas chromatography we were able to detect the drug not only in the vascular ocular tissues and the intraocular fluids but also in the avascular tissues such as the cornea.
Insights
Sodium phenobarbital, a common suicide drug, was detected in the cornea after lethal overdose in animal models. This finding indicates drug penetration into avascular ocular tissues.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Sodium phenobarbital is frequently used in lethal overdoses.
- Understanding drug distribution in ocular tissues is crucial for forensic and clinical toxicology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the penetration of sodium phenobarbital into the cornea after a lethal dose.
- To determine if avascular ocular tissues are affected by systemic drug administration.
Main Methods:
- Animal models (guinea pigs and rabbits) were administered a lethal dose of sodium phenobarbital.
- Gas chromatography was employed to detect and quantify the drug in ocular tissues and fluids.
Main Results:
- Sodium phenobarbital was detected in vascular ocular tissues and intraocular fluids.
- The drug was also found in avascular tissues, specifically the cornea.
Conclusions:
- Lethal doses of sodium phenobarbital can penetrate into the avascular cornea.
- This suggests potential ocular involvement in cases of phenobarbital overdose.