Cocaine Flashcards
What is cocaine derived from?
The coca plant.
It is an alkaloid
How does cocaine work?
It blocks the uktake of dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin.
The use of cocaine is associated with a wide variety of adverse effects. What CVD effects is cocaine associated with?
- Myocardial infarction
- Both tachycardia and bradycardia may occur
- Hypertension
- QRS widening and QT prolongation
- Aortic dissection
The use of cocaine is associated with a wide variety of adverse effects. What neurological effects is cocaine associated with?
- Seizures
- Mydriasis
- Hypertonia
- Hyperreflexia
Similar to Serotonin Syndrome.
The use of cocaine is associated with a wide variety of adverse effects. What psychiatric effects is cocaine associated with?
- Agitation
- Psychosis
- Hallucinations
What are some other side effects that cocaine is associated with?
- Hyperthermia
- Metabolic acidosis
- Rhabdomyolysis
How do you manage cocaine toxicity?
(HINT THE GENERAL RULE FOR MOST COCAINE RELATED PROBLEMS)
- First line - Benzodiazipines
How do you manage chest pain induced by cocaine toxicity?
Benzodiazepines + GTN.
How do you manage hypertension induced by cocaine toxicity?
Benzodiazipines + Sodium Nitroprusside
Can beta blockers be used to treat cocaine induced CVD problems?
The American Heart Association issued a statement in 2008 warning against the use of beta-blockers (due to the risk of unopposed alpha-mediated coronary vasospasm) but many cardiologists since have questioned whether this is valid. If a reasonable alternative is given in an exam it is probably wise to choose it.
