Abstract
Recent widespread abuse of cocaine has resulted in an alarming increase in emergency department admissions for acute treatment of this toxic drug. Highly publicized cocaine-associated deaths of prominent athletes have awakened both the medical community and the general public to the possible devastating effects of this so-called 'champagne of drugs'. A potent central nervous system stimulant, cocaine produces symptoms that include changes in activity, mood, blood pressure, cardiac rhythm, respiration and body temperature. The adverse effects of cocaine, which may progress rapidly to death, include cerebrovascular accidents, myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac arrhythmias, pneumomediastinum, rhabdomyolysis with myoglobinuric renal failure and intestinal ischaemia. In addition, cocaine has been implicated in obstetric and neonatal complications. Because of the exceedingly rapid progression of the 'cocaine reaction' to a fatal outcome, it is imperative that clinicians know how to recognise and manage the symptoms of cocaine overdose.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
