NCJ Number
150632
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 39 Issue: 4 Dated: (July 1994) Pages: 1069-1075
Date Published
1994
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Nine deaths involving the semi-synthetic opiate drug oxycodone, which has a potency similar to morphine and an elimination half-life of 2 to 5.5 hours, were examined to assess the contribution of this drug to these fatalities.
Abstract
The deaths took place in Victoria, Australia. Eight of the bodies received full autopsies by specialist pathologists followed by thorough toxicological examinations. Results revealed no significant anatomical pathologies. All deaths gave concentrations of oxycodone concentrations in femoral blood higher than expected following normal therapeutic use. In three cases, no other drug was detected in toxic concentrations. Two cases involved the presence of a high concentration of alcohol in addition to other drugs in therapeutic concentrations. One case involved methamphetamine in significant concentrations, and another involved high concentrations of oxazepam in combination with pethidine. In all cases, the presence of oxycodone was given as a factor contributing to the death. Only one case involved circumstances clearly indicating suicide. Findings suggest that oxycodone is at least as toxic as other opiates and will cause death if misused.