Intravenous Abuse of Propylhexedrine
DiMaio, VJM
Medical examiner, Dallas County, Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences, Dallas; and assistant professor, Department of Pathology, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical School at Dallas, Tex. 75235.

Garriott, JC
Chief toxicologist, Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences, Dallas; and assistant professor in forensic sciences, Departments of Pathology and Pharmacology, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical School at Dallas, Tex.


Abstract
The Benzedrex^® nasal inhaler is an over-the-counter device used for the symptomatic treatment of nasal congestion resulting from head colds and hay fever. The active ingredient is propylhexedrine, a local vasoconstrictor. While only two deaths due to propylhexedrine are in the medical literature [1], abuse of the drug occurs with greater frequency than realized. Since 1974, the Dallas County Criminal Investigation Laboratory has detected propylhexedrine in syringes in twelve cases submitted by local police agencies. In a recent six-month period, the Office of the Medical Examiner for Dallas County has encountered three deaths resulting from intravenous injection of propylhexedrine as well as two deaths from other causes in which the deceased had been injecting this drug. Two of the individuals dying of propylhexedrine abuse showed vascular changes in the lungs, apparently caused by chronic intravenous injection of this drug.

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Paper ID: JFS221770152

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Author DiMaio VJM, Garriott JC Title Intravenous Abuse of Propylhexedrine Symposium , Committee on