Reviewing Medication History As Part of Postmortem Exam (Drug Autopsy)

Are you performing a postmortem evaluation?

Was the person receiving any high risk drugs, including those that affect QTc?

Was the person receiving a drug with a narrow therapeutic index?

Was the person receiving polypharmacy?

Was any drug given at a higher-than-normal dose?

Was the person receiving any drug associated with a discontinuation syndrome?

Was a drug started or discontinued that affected the dose of other drugs?

Were any drug delivered by an infusion pump?

Were any drug delivered by transdermal patch?

Was the person receiving potentially hazardous drugs at home?

Was any drug given intra-thecally ?

Was any drug given by accident?

Is there any record of a drug administration error?

Did the patient die in the ICU?

Did the patient have a history of drug or alcohol abuse?

Did the patient show signs and symptoms characteristic for a drug or drug class?

Was the patient very old or very young?

Was the patient visually impaired?

Had the patient had any change in renal function?

Is there any reason to suspect abuse or neglect?

Is there a reason to suspect homicide but no anatomical cause has been identified?

Was the patient receiving any herbal, native or natural remedies?

Are there any errors or inconsistencies identified in the drug record?

Are there entries in the nurses notes indicating a problem during drug administration?

Are there changes in an ECG that could be drug-induced?

Is there evidence of infusion pump malfunction?

Has a significant interaction been identified by drug interaction software?