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Death due to benzhexol toxicity
J A Gall1, O H Drummer, A J Landgren
1Victorian Institute of Forensic Pathology, Monash University, Australia.
Forensic Science International
|January 21, 1995
Summary
Benzhexol toxicity can be fatal, especially in individuals with underlying health issues. This case highlights that additional factors likely contribute to death from benzhexol overdose.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Benzhexol is an anticholinergic medication used to treat Parkinsonism and drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms.
- Schizophrenia and concurrent respiratory infections can complicate medication management and overdose risk.
Observation:
- A fatal case of benzhexol toxicity in a 48-year-old male schizophrenic patient is presented.
- The patient had resolving empyema and mild bronchopneumonia.
- Toxicological analysis confirmed benzhexol in blood (0.12 mg/l), liver (0.5 mg/kg), and gastric contents (0.4 mg).
Findings:
- No other drugs were detected, indicating benzhexol as the sole toxic agent.
- The measured benzhexol concentrations suggest a significant overdose.
- The patient's pre-existing conditions may have played a role in the fatal outcome.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential lethality of benzhexol toxicity.
- Concurrent medical conditions and altered consciousness may be critical factors in benzhexol-related fatalities.
- Clinicians should be aware of the risks associated with benzhexol, particularly in patients with comorbidities.