This third edition of the classic, best-selling textbook - ideal for the classroom and the reference shelf -- includes new chapters on non-narcotic analgesics and antihistamines, as well as a number of updated chapters, including mass spectrometry, cannabis, and opioids. Since the publication of the first edition in 1999, Principles of Forensic Toxicology has been used extensively for teaching students taking a one-semester course in forensic toxicology. It has also proven to be an invaluable reference for laboratorians.

The first section provides an introduction to postmortem forensic toxicology, human performance forensic toxicology, forensic drug testing, and pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.

The second section is devoted to analytical principles, including both theory and applications. Methodologies covered include specimen preparation, spectrophotometry, chromatography, immunoassay, mass spectrometry, and methods validation.

The third section covers commonly encountered analytes, including alcohol, benzodiazepines, GHB, miscellaneous central nervous system depressants, opioids, cocaine, cannabis, amphetamines/sympathomimetic amines, hallucinogens, anticonvulsants, antiarrhythmics, antidepressants, antihistamines, neuroleptics, non-narcotic analgesics, carbon monoxide/cyanide, inhalants, and metals.