Citation

Poklis A, Gantner GE. Clin. Toxicol. (Dekker) 1981; 18(2): 141-147.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1981, M Dekker)

DOI

10.3109/15563658108990020

PMID

6112092

Abstract

The vast majority of drug deaths in St. Louis City and County through 1977-1979 were of adults who ingested multiple drugs with suicidal intent. In this 3-year survey, seven deaths were due to accidental overdose of ethanol, seven to "over-the-counter" products or laboratory reagents, eight from "classic poisons," and only eight to drug abuse. The remaining 117 deaths (80%) resulted from ingestion of legally obtained prescription drugs. Sixty-two percent of all deaths were due to multiple drug administration. Only one child was fatally poisoned. Barbiturates, benzodiazepines, ethanol, propoxyphene, and tricyclic antidepressants were the most common agents encountered.

Language: en