Maprotiline fatality: case report and analytical determinations.

A new tetracyclic antidepressant drug, maprotiline hydrochloride was found to be the agent of death in a 23-year-old subject following massive injestion (4.5-6.0 g). The case may be the first reported maprotiline death (sole cause) in the United States. Analytical parameters were studies and various chromatographic and spectrophotometric systems are reported. Quantitation was performed by gas-liquid chromatography using a nitrogen-phosphorous detector. Concentrations of the compound in biological fluids and tissues are also reported.