1Junior Resident, Department of Forensic Medicine, Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India
2Senior Resident, Department of Forensic Medicine, Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India
3Junior Resident, Department of Pharmacology, Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India
4Junior Resident, Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, Dharamshala, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India
5Assistant Director, Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, Dharamshala, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India
6Professor and Head, Department of Forensic Medicine, Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India
*Corresponding Author: Dr. Nidhi Mahlawat, Junior Resident, Department of Pharmacology, Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India, E-mail: nidhimehlawat@gmail.com, Contact : +917339778379
Online Published on 24 April, 2026.
Bromisovalum (α-bromoisovalerylurea or BVU, also known as Bromisoval) is an uncommon cause of poisoning-related deaths in India. Once prescribed for its sedative effects, it carries a high risk of fatal overdose, whether accidental or intentional.
A 32-year-old chronic alcoholic man presented to the hospital complaining of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea with the alleged history of intake of some poisonous substance. He died within 24 hours despite supportive measures.
Autopsy revealed acute intoxication signs like an edematous brain, congested and voluminous and pale lungs, on dissection of both the lungs, reddish colored fluid was coming out, and the stomach contained about 100 ml greenish-brown colored viscous material mixed with semi-digested food particles. The mucosa of the stomach was pale, and a few submucosal hemorrhages were present. Forensic toxicology confirmed bromisovalum in his system, alongside a blood alcohol concentration of 90.50 mg% ± 1.80%.
The fatal potential of bromisovalum and its significance were taken into consideration, as this case highlights unusual presentations. Regulation of its availability in India is necessary to stop similar incidents in the future.
Acute Intoxication, Bromisovalum, Clinical Case Report, Forensic Toxicology
