Cocaine poisoning

Medium urgency
-Moderately severe

Cocaine is a highly toxic and addictive illegal stimulant drug derived from the leaves of the coca plant (Erythroxylum shrub) that affects the central nervous system.

Cocaine intoxication can result from excessive use or the use of a highly concentrated form of the drug. It can also occur when used alone or in combination with other drugs.

Symptoms include anxiety and restlessness, chest pain, feelings of euphoria, dilated pupils, increased heart rate, and elevated blood pressure.

Diagnosis is made by obtaining a medical history, performing a thorough physical examination, blood and urine tests, and a toxicology screen. In some cases, a chest x-ray and electrocardiogram may be needed to rule out other causes of chest pain.

Treatment is primarily supportive, focusing on maintaining vital signs, preserving the airway, proper hydration, glucose control, and medical intervention to manage symptoms and potential complications.

Bibliographic references
  1. Lewis Nelson, Oladapo Odujebe. Cocaine: Acute intoxication. UpToDate. Aug 18, 2015.
  2. Goldfrank, LR, Flomenbaum, NE, Hoffman, JR, et al. Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies, Neurotransmitters and Neuromodulators, 8th Ed, McGraw-Hill Medical Publishing Division, 2006
  3. Edmondson DA, Towne JB, Foley DW, et al. Cocaine-induced renal artery dissection and thrombosis leading to renal infarction. WMJ 2004; 103:66.
  4. Buchanan JA, Heard K, Burbach C, et al. Prevalence of levamisole in urine toxicology screens positive for cocaine in an inner-city hospital. JAMA 2011; 305:1657.
  5. Schneider S, Meys F. Analysis of illicit cocaine and heroin samples seized in Luxembourg from 2005-2010. Forensic Sci Int 2011; 212:242.
  6. José Ignacio García Sánchez, Jara Llenas García, Virginia Melgar Molero. Intoxicaciones. Manual de diagnóstico y terapéutica médica Hospital Universitario 12 de octubre. 6ª edición. 2007. 1098:1121
Author
Dr. Elvira Moreno
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    State of anxiety


    Dilated pupils


    Tachycardia


    Excessive sweating


    High fever of 40ºC/104ºF or above

Pre-hospital care recommendations

Call medical assistance for instructions.