Caffeine fatalities--four case reports

Forensic Sci Int. 2004 Jan 6;139(1):71-3. doi: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2003.09.019.

Abstract

Four cases of fatal intoxications with caffeine are described. Caffeine is widely available in beverages and in different OTC-products, in many of them in combinations with other drugs like ephedrine. Caffeine is not as harmless as one might believe. An overdose of caffeine alone, intentional or not, might be deadly. It seems to be warranted to include caffeine in the drug-screening of forensic autopsy cases. It is not motivated from a medical point of view to sell pure caffeine over the counter.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Caffeine / blood
  • Caffeine / poisoning*
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / blood
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / poisoning*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Suicide*

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Caffeine