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FACTBOX: Cocktail of sedatives killed singer Jackson

Sat Aug 29, 2009 1:56am IST
 
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(Reuters) - Two sedative drugs killed singer Michael Jackson, the Los Angeles coroner said on Friday.

The coroner's report said propofol and lorazepam were the primary causes of death. These drugs are normally used to calm patients before procedures such as colonoscopies. A cocktail of other drugs was also found in his system.

Here are some facts about the drugs found in Jackson's blood:

* Propofol, also known by the trade name Diprivan, is used to sedate patients on breathing machines or before procedures such as colonoscopies. Given properly, it does not render them unconscious but they usually cannot remember the procedure.

* The American Society of Anesthesiologists says propofol should "never be used outside of a controlled and monitored medical setting."

* Lorazepam, sold under the brand names Ativan and Temesta, is one of a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines, which include Valium. They are often used to allay anxiety when given as pills and can be administered intravenously before surgery to relax patients.

* Diazepam, the generic version of Valium, was also found in Jackson's blood.

* Midazolam is a sedative similar to propofol, used to make patients drowsy but not unconscious during procedures.

* Lidocaine, also known as Xylocaine, is a painkiller that can be injected to numb an area before surgery.

* Ephedrine is a stimulant and decongestant, similar to the ingredients in the over-the-counter cold pill Sudafed and also to the illegal "upper" methamphetamine. Many states now control over-the-counter distribution of drugs such as Sudafed that contain pseudoephedrine because it can be used to make illegal drugs.

(Editing by Eric Walsh)