Analysis of 2-hydroxyimipramine in an imipramine-related fatality

J Forensic Sci. 1987 Mar;32(2):543-9.

Abstract

A fatality following ingestion of the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine (Novopramine), acetaminophen, and ethyl alcohol is described. Imipramine, desipramine, acetaminophen, and 2-hydroxyimipramine were quantitated by high performance liquid chromatography, and ethyl alcohol by gas liquid chromatography. Concentrations of imipramine, desipramine, 2-hydroxyimipramine, and acetaminophen were: in blood--9.0, 1.1, 3.9, and 11 mg/L; in urine--92, 14, and 42 mg/L (acetaminophen not quantitated in urine). Ethyl alcohol concentration in blood was less than 10 mg/dL and 105 mg/dL in the urine by headspace gas chromatography. These findings are compared to previous reports of imipramine-related fatalities. To our knowledge, this is the first fatality reported involving imipramine where analysis included quantitation of 2-hydroxyimipramine in blood and urine.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acetaminophen / analysis
  • Acetaminophen / poisoning
  • Adult
  • Alcoholic Intoxication / metabolism
  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / analysis
  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / poisoning*
  • Desipramine / analysis
  • Desipramine / poisoning
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imipramine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Imipramine / analysis
  • Imipramine / poisoning

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
  • 2-hydroxyimipramine
  • Acetaminophen
  • Imipramine
  • Desipramine