A fatality involving two unusual compounds--zolpidem and acepromazine

A fatality due to ingestion of zolpidem, a recently developed nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic, and acepromazine, a phenothiazine sedative used in veterinary practice, is reported. Both drugs were identified and quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection. Zolpidem and acepromazine blood concentrations were 3.29 and 2.40 micrograms/ml, respectively. It is the first report of a death involving either of these two drugs. The results are discussed in the light of the existing literature and may suggest a reciprocal potentiation of the toxic effects of zolpidem and phenothiazines.