Journal of forensic sciences
-
Comparative Study
Postmortem amitriptyline pharmacokinetics in pigs after oral and intravenous routes of administration.
In this study we have evaluated the postmortem pharmacokinetics of amitriptyline (Ami) and metabolites in pigs after oral and intravenous administration, and the results are compared with previous studies in rats and humans. In addition a meticulous investigation of blood and tissue concentrations after postmortem intravenous infusion of Ami was undertaken. Of a total of 9 over-night fasted pigs, 3 were given 25 mg/Kg Ami orally, and another 3 pigs received an intravenous infusion lasting 1 h of 3.3 mg/Kg Ami prior to death. ⋯ Tissue/blood Ami concentration ratios were generally lower than previously reported in rats and approximating the levels reported in humans. The animals infused intravenously after death demonstrated high drug levels in blood samples from central vessels, heart, lungs as well as cerebrospinal fluid and vitreous humour. This implies that the presence of a lethal concentration of a drug in just one sample of heart blood can prove worthless in a case where agonal drug infusion may have occurred.