Citation

Singer P, Janzen KE. J. Can. Soc. Forensic Sci. 1996; 29(2): 77-86.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1996, Canadian Society of Forensic Science, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/00085030.1996.10757050

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Anileridine is a synthetic narcotic, available in Canada by prescription as the product Leritine® (Frosst), for the relief of moderate to severe pain. Although anileridine has been available for over 4 decades, there is surprisingly little data in the literature regarding its therapeutic, toxic, or lethal levels in body fluids and tissues. Analysis of autopsy samples in a suspicious death revealed the presence of anileridine in the following concentrations: 2.1 mg/L in blood, 8.8 mg/kg in liver, and 0.070 mg in 13 g stomach contents. A series of 19 cases from the data base at the Alberta Medical Examiner's Office involving anileridine is presented, along with their histories, blood and other tissue levels of anileridine and the levels of other drugs found. Blood concentrations of about 1.5 mg/L or more, and liver levels greater than 5 mg/kg can be considered as consistent with fatality.