Fatal poppy capsule toxicity

Abstract

A 65 -year- old woman, with a history of a dry cough and general body pain of 3 to 4 days duration. By virtue of the antitussive and analgesic effects, she broke the shells of approximately 10-15 poppy capsule, boiled them and drank the solution one morning after breakfast. 6 to 8 hours later, family members hospitalize her, having finding that she is still in bed in a bad condition. She dies 2 to 3 hours after admitting the hospital. At the autopsy, no evidence of trauma was found macroscopically. Pathologic examination revealed areas of swelling in the lungs, hyperemia and congestion in the brain and internal organs. Toxicological investigation of body fluids revealed morphine in the urine and bile samples. The morphine level was found to be 878 ng/mL (toxical dose: 364 ng/mL) in the blood samples. Prevention programs should focus on is required across all age groups.