Citation

Moore KA, Zemrus TL, Ramcharitar V, Levine B, Fowler DR. Forensic Sci. Int. 2003; 134(2-3): 120-122.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/s0379-0738(03)00130-0

PMID

12850405

Abstract

Zaleplon ("Sonata") is a pyrazolopyrimidine derivative approved for use in the United States for the treatment of insomnia. To date, there has been little data in the toxicological literature where zaleplon has been implicated as causing a fatal intoxication, either alone or in combination with other drugs. This report documents a case where zaleplon was identified in a suicide by multiple drug ingestion. The following zaleplon concentrations were found: heart blood 2.2mg/l; bile 8.6mg/l and urine 1.4mg/l. Zaleplon was also detected but not quantitated in the kidney and liver.

Language: en

Keywords

Acetamides; Adult; Barbiturates; Bile; Chromatography, Gas; Female; Humans; Hypnotics and Sedatives; Molecular Structure; Promethazine; Pyrimidines; Suicide