A contemporaneous finding of fenproporex in a polydrug suicide

Abstract

Fenproporex is a sympathomimetic agent with a pharmacological profile similar to that of amphetamine. It is available in many countries throughout the world, but it is currently not available in the United States. Because of its stimulant effects, it has a great potential for abuse. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no literature reports of blood or serum concentrations found in therapeutic, toxic, or fatal cases. We report a case where fenproporex was a finding in the death of a young adult. Blood, urine, and gastric contents were analyzed. The following drug concentrations were found: 0.90 mg/L (inferior vena cava blood), 1.2 mg/L (urine), and 120 mg total (gastric) for fenproporex and 0.084 mg/L (inferior vena cava blood), 0.94 mg/L (urine), and 0.14 mg total (gastric) for amphetamine. In addition to the fenproporex, other medications detected and their blood concentrations found in this case were H diazepam (0.54 mg/L), nordiazepam (0.46 mg/L), diphenhydramine (0.12 mg/L), and gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) (1100 mg/L).