Citation

Gaillard Y, Pepin G. Forensic Sci. Int. 1997; 87(3): 239-248.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/s0379-0738(97)00075-3

PMID

9248042

Abstract

We have described a rapid and simple solid-phase extraction on C18 cartridges of moclobemide suitable for the analysis of post-mortem whole blood and urine. The methods used for identification were GC-MS and HPLC-PDA. Quantification was performed by the HPLC-PDA technique with detection at 238 nm. The limit of detection was 0.012 microgram/ml in blood. A between-day precision study gave relative standard deviations which were always less than 4.7% over the entire range of calibration (0.2 to 20.0 micrograms/ml). The method was applied in a case of moclobemide overdose due to a deliberate ingestion of 4.5 g of the drug. A second case concerned a polyintoxication including moclobemide as one of the main toxins. The post-mortem whole blood concentrations were 15.5 and 13.8 micrograms/ml respectively. Determination of the drug in other biological specimens is also reported.

Language: en

Keywords

Adult; Benzamides; Blood Chemical Analysis; Cause of Death; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Fatal Outcome; Female; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Humans; Middle Aged; Moclobemide; Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors; Suicide