Amphetamines: A review of forensic medicine.

Abstract

Amphetamine and its derivatives are drug abuse that can destroy world economy, society and human resources. Although Thailand has enforced suppressive and preventive of narcotic measures for a long time, these problems have persisted and difficult to be eradicated. Drug abusers are usually sent to hospitals in various statuses such as being a patient, suspected person, alleged offender, etc. In the cases of unnatural death that are suspected of drug overdose; autopsy will be done which includes investigation on amphetamine level. This article reviews history, types, physical and chemical properties, toxicokinetics and pharmacokinetics, toxicity, benefits for medication, specimen collection, laboratory analysis and relevant Thai legislation so that it would be benefits for forensic physicians and other medical specialties to apply the knowledge in their work.