THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF DEXTROPROPOXYPHENE (DISTALGESIC) OVERDOSE FATALITIES IN BIRMINGHAM AND THE WEST MIDLANDS

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Abstract
An assessment was made of all deaths during 4 yr attributed to Distalgesic (paracetamol 325 mg and dextropropoxyphene 32.5 mg), reported either to the Birmingham Coroner (35), or from elsewhere in the West Midlands (97), when analysis was done by the West Midlands Home Office Forensic Science Laboratory. In this region Distalgesic has become the foremost cause of death by drug overdose. About 15 tablets may be fatal. Potentiation by alcohol is confirmed. The danger of rapid death, before treatment is available, following impulsive overdose by young people, who seem to be particularly at risk, is emphasized.