NCJ Number
225792
Journal
Problems of Forensic Sciences Volume: 75 Dated: 2008 Pages: 268-275
Date Published
2008
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article describes a case of acute intoxication in a 17-year-old female patient due to a preparation sold as a natural slimming agent in the Tibetan Medicine Center in Krakow, Poland.
Abstract
The study found that Tibetan slimming pills contain phenfluramine, which can cause acute intoxication similar to the psychoactive substances ecstasy (MDMA) and amphetamines. Preparation offered by centers of natural Chinese medicine may contain pharmacologically active compounds that are not listed on the packaging. The lack of information on the composition and doses of such psychoactive agents contained in these preparations, as well as contraindications and side effects, is a threat to patients. Individuals with cardiovascular problems who ingest phenfluramine-containing pills may be at risk of severe complications. Extended use, as well as a single abuse of phenfluramine, may cause intoxication or even death. In the case presented, a 17-year-old female patient ingested 20 Tibetan slimming pills in an apparent attempt to commit suicide. Symptoms of intoxication with a psycho stimulating substance were observed. The good state of health of the patient at the time of the ingestion of the pills, her young age, and her lack of cardiovascular disorders, together with fast medical intervention (treatment several hours after ingesting the drug) contributed to her quick recovery with no complications. The study advises that the identification of phenfluramine is only possible by using chromatographic methods, i.e., liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) and gas chromatography with mass detection (GC-MS). 2 figures, 1 table, and 14 references