An overview of non-cardiac cocaine toxicity

J Emerg Med. 2007 Feb;32(2):181-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2006.05.044. Epub 2007 Jan 22.

Abstract

Cocaine use in the United States continues to be a significant problem. Cocaine use is responsible for approximately 143,000 Emergency Department visits annually. The cardiac effects of cocaine are well known and much is written on this topic; this is beyond the scope of this article. Cocaine use is also responsible for a variety of non-cardiac, systemic complications, which it is our purpose to review. Multiple systemic effects of cocaine are seen with both acute and chronic use. These systems include: psychological and psychiatric, neurological, renal, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, obstetrical, and otolaryngological.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Central Nervous System / drug effects
  • Cocaine / adverse effects*
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / psychology*
  • Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Fetal Diseases / chemically induced
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases / chemically induced
  • Nasal Septum / drug effects
  • Nasal Septum / pathology
  • Renal Insufficiency / chemically induced

Substances

  • Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors
  • Cocaine