Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
11:14
Rapid High-throughput Species Identification of Botanical Material Using Direct Analysis in Real Time High Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Published on: October 2, 2016
Fatal poisoning with propoxyphene: report from 100 consecutive cases
Southern Medical Journal
|August 1, 1977
Summary
Propoxyphene overdose deaths, particularly suicides, increased significantly in North Carolina. Fatal blood concentrations indicate rapid ingestion, necessitating increased physician awareness and stricter drug scheduling.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Forensic Pathology
- Public Health
Background:
- Propoxyphene (Darvon) is an opioid analgesic with a history of abuse and toxicity.
- Understanding the epidemiology of propoxyphene-related fatalities is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the characteristics of the first 100 propoxyphene-related deaths in North Carolina.
- To identify trends and risk factors associated with propoxyphene fatalities.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 100 consecutive propoxyphene-related deaths reported to the North Carolina Chief Medical Examiner.
- Analysis of victim demographics, cause of death, and blood propoxyphene concentrations.
Main Results:
- Victims spanned ages 20-70, with over 65% being suicides (2:1 female to male ratio).
- Fatal blood propoxyphene concentrations (≥0.2 mg/dl) suggest rapid ingestion of approximately 10 capsules.
- Propoxyphene-related deaths in North Carolina rose from 5 in 1969 to 49 in 1975.
Conclusions:
- Propoxyphene poses a significant toxicity risk, with a notable increase in fatal overdoses and suicides.
- Recommendations include enhancing physician awareness of propoxyphene's dangers and considering Schedule II drug classification.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison
In cases of acute poisoning, the primary objective is to prevent further absorption of the toxic substance into the body. Immediate interventions using various decontamination techniques targeting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can achieve this. Decontamination is crucial to prevent poison from entering the systemic circulation, which involves washing affected areas with water and mild soap and removing contaminated clothing. Once external decontamination is done, attention must be turned to...
01:00Drug Toxicity: Overview
Drug toxicity quantifies the harm a compound causes to an organism, varying by dose and potentially impacting whole systems or specific organs like the liver. Toxic reactions may arise from venomous insect or spider bites, with effects ranging from mild symptoms to severe outcomes such as brain damage or death. Common forms of acute poisoning include ethanol intoxication and overdose of pain or fever medications, with substances like GHB and heroin being particularly lethal at doses close to...
01:24Drug Toxicity: Dose-Dependent Reactions
Drug toxicities can be stratified into pharmacological, pathological, or genotoxic based on their mechanisms. The incidence and severity of these toxicities generally increase with the drug's concentration in the body and exposure time.Pharmacological toxicity is evident when the therapeutic effects of drugs overshoot into adverse reactions in a predictable, dose-dependent manner. Central nervous system (CNS) depression from barbiturates is a classic example, with effects escalating from...
01:30Toxidromes: Clinical Features
Toxidromes are specific patterns of symptoms resulting from toxic substance exposure. They help in the identification and treatment of poisoning. The symptoms of each toxidrome group indicate poisoning by a certain class of chemicals or drugs.1. Sympathomimetic: Stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. Symptoms include agitation, increased heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), respiratory rate (RR), temperature, and pupil size. Drugs like cocaine and amphetamines, along with tremors and...
01:26Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Potential Scenarios
Pharmaceutical poisoning can occur through various channels, impacting an estimated 2 million hospitalized patients in the U.S. annually with serious adverse drug responses. These scenarios encompass both therapeutic uses, such as drug toxicity, where even standard dosages can lead to severe central nervous system depression, and non-therapeutic exposures, including accidental ingestion by children, and environmental and occupational exposures.Unintentional poisonings often involve exploratory...
01:26Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies
Treatment strategies for poisoning are a critical aspect of emergency medicine, focusing on preventing the absorption of toxins and enhancing their elimination. When a poisoning incident occurs, the first response is to halt exposure and decontaminate the patient, particularly through gastrointestinal (GI) methods if the poison was ingested.Gastrointestinal Decontamination Techniques:Activated charcoal is the cornerstone of GI decontamination. It works through adsorption, binding the toxin to...