TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2013//
TI  - Illegal use of benzodiazepines and/or zolpidem proved by hair analysis
JO  - Journal of forensic sciences
A1  - Kim, Jihyun
A1  - In, Sanghwan
A1  - Choi, Hwakyung
A1  - Lee, Sooyeun
SP  - 548
EP  - 551
VL  - 58
IS  - 2
N2  - The abuse and misuse of benzodiazepines and zolpidem are widespread internationally. Their illegal distribution has raised their abuse to a serious level, and they are often misused in crimes. In the present study, 18 cases involving the illegal use of benzodiazepines and/or zolpidem were proved by hair analysis. The drugs were extracted from the hair samples using methanol and analyzed using LC-MS/MS. The cases were classified according to case history: five of illegal use in medical staff, eight through inappropriate or illegal distribution, and five related to drug-facilitated crimes. Among the 18 cases, zolpidem was identified in eight, alprazolam in seven, diazepam in six, and clonazepam in four. The drug concentrations ranged from <LOQ to 6.47 ng/mg. Due to the ready supply and potential for criminal misuse of these drugs, programs for prescription drug monitoring and supervision of those handling these drugs are both recommended.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0022-1198
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1556-4029.12034
ID  - ref1
ER  -