Citation

Oliva A, De Giorgio F, Arena V, Fucci N, Pascali VL, Navarra P. Clin. Toxicol. (Phila) 2007; 45(6): 709-713.

Affiliation

Institute of Forensic Medicine, Catholic University, School of Medicine, Rome, Italy.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/15563650701397076

PMID

17849248

Abstract

A fatality due to the intravenous self-injection of Ketorolac (Toradol) is reported. Ketorolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with marked analgesic activity. There is limited information of fatalities attributed to ketorolac toxicity. Here we report the case of a 53-year-old woman with a medical history of depression that was found deceased at home with no evidence of trauma or injuries. Near the body, a syringe and three empty vials (30 mg) of Toradol were found. A fresh needle mark on the right arm was noticed. Toxicological analyses were performed using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) technique. The estimated ketorolac concentration in the blood was 8 mug/ml; urine and gastric content were negative for this compound. Based on the autopsy, histologic findings and toxicological results of anaphylactic shock associated with ketorolac self-administration was assumed to be the underlying pathophysiological mechanism of death and the manner, suicide.

Language: en