Abstract
A method for detection and determination of methaqualone and some of its metabolites in autopsy material is described, involving extraction, ultra-violet spectrophotometry, gas and thin-layer chromatography. Twenty autopsy cases of intoxications were investigated in a detailed fashion. In most cases, the concentration of metabolites in blood, liver and kidney were considerably lower than those of the parent drug, especially when other drugs and/or ethanol also were found. Only small amounts of methaqualone and “free” metabolites were present in the urine. However, after acid hydrolysis, considerable quantities of metabolites were liberated. A statistical survey of autopsy cases where methaqualone was detected in routine analyses are given. Between, 1964 and June, 197O, methaqualone was detected in 165 autopsy cases, about 90% of these being suicides. 22 cases were intoxications with methaqualone alone. In the remaining ones, death was due to combinations of drugs (including ethanol), or due to physical factors. From the material presented here, the lower limit of “lethal concentration” in blood seems to be 1–2 mg of drug per 100 ml in pure methaqualone intoxications.
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Schedule a callMore From: Zeitschrift fur Rechtsmedizin. Journal of legal medicine
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