Accidental fatal drug poisoning with particular reference to dextropropoxyphene

Abstract

A rapid increase in fatal accidental dextropropoxyphene poisonings which is proportional to the increased use of the drug is reported. In 30 accidental poisonings dextropropoxyphene was responsible for 50% of the cases, and is the most common accidental medical poisoning at the present time. This is probably due to the unappreciated narrow margin between therapeutic and fatal dose and the simultaneous intake of alcohol which increases the resorbtion speed from the gastro -intestinal tract. In Denmark a slow-release preparation is frequently used, which is especially dangerous because of repeated dosage by the patient attempting to induce the therapeutic effect more quickly.