Toxicological findings in deaths due to ingestion of pentazocine: a report of two cases

Abstract

Two cases of fatal suicidal ingestion of pentazocine are presented. Toxicological findings in these deaths are compared to those of twelve similar pentazocine fatalities gleaned from various compilation of toxicology data. Pentazocine blood and liver concentrations in the presented cases were 3.3 and 9.2 mg/l, and 34 and 43 mg/kg, respectively. Blood and liver concentrations in references cases ranged from 0.8 - 38 mg/l and 3 - 197 mg/kg, respectively. The interpretation of toxicology findings following the ingestion of pentazocine is discussed.