(L.A.) David Yutkins, 30, Died at a Residence

Case Number: 2019-06088

Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 30-year-old Caucasian male that occurred at his residence.

The coroner’s office has identified the man as David Yutkins.

Manner of Death: Accident

Cause of Death: Effects of Loperamide

Other Significant Condition: Cardiomegaly

RIP DAVID YUTKINS (August 4, 1989 – August 12, 2019)

Formal pronouncement of death was made on Monday at 6:34 p.m.

This was ruled an accidental overdose and not a suicide.

Loperamide, sold under the brand name Imodium, among others, is a medication used to decrease the frequency of diarrhea. It is often used for this purpose in irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease and short bowel syndrome. It is not recommended for those with blood in the stool, mucus in the stool, or fevers.

Some patients may be abusing or misusing loperamide to achieve euphoria or treat opioid withdrawal, especially if they do not have access to methadone or opioids and are searching for an inexpensive alternative.

Loperamide abuse and overdose, such as in doses of 70 mg per day or higher, increases the risk of adverse effects such as CNS depression, respiratory depression, and cardiac toxicity. Cardiac toxicity from overdoses may lead to life-threatening QTc and QRS prolongation, torsades de pointes, Brugada syndrome, ventricular arrhythmias, and cardiac arrest.⁶ FDA released drug safety communications in 2016 and 2018 addressing the increased reports of cardiac toxicity, urging healthcare providers to advise patients about this risk. The agency has encouraged manufacturers to use blister packs or single-dose packaging.