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A fatality involving zolpidem

M Lichtenwalner¹, R Tully

¹DrugScan, Inc., Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, USA.

Journal of Analytical Toxicology

|December 17, 1997

Summary

This case report details an elderly woman who drowned with high zolpidem blood levels. Findings suggest zolpidem overdose alone is unlikely to cause death, even at record concentrations.

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Area of Science:

Forensic Toxicology
Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

Investigated a death in an independent-living facility involving a prescribed hypnotic medication.
Examined the role of zolpidem (Ambien) in an accidental drowning case.

Observation:

An elderly female with a history of depression was found deceased in a bathtub.
High concentrations of zolpidem were detected in postmortem toxicology screening.

Findings:

The cause of death was drowning; zolpidem was the sole significant toxicology finding.
Record-high blood zolpidem concentration of 7.9 µg/mL was measured.
Gastric contents revealed 7 mg of unabsorbed zolpidem.

Implications:

This case highlights the importance of considering drowning as the primary cause of death, even with elevated drug levels.
Corroborates existing literature suggesting zolpidem overdose alone is rarely fatal.
Emphasizes the need for comprehensive toxicological analysis and cause-of-death determination in complex cases.

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