Body distribution of ethchlorvynol

Ethchlorvynol (Placidyl) is a nonbarbiturate sedative hypnotic. Two fatal cases of ethchlorvynol overdose are reported. Toxicological analyses of body fluids and tissues were performed by gas chromatography using a flame-ionization detector. The quantitative method was sensitive and reproducible. Body distribution of ethchlorvynol in blood and other tissues is presented. Biological samples analyzed included blood, urine, bile, liver, kidney, eye fluid, and gastric contents. Results presented add to the pharmacokinetic data needed to study the disposition of drugs in different tissues. Findings in present two cases are compared with published toxicological data.