Cocaine toxicity: Difference between revisions

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== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
*Sedation
#Sedation
**[[Diazepam]] 5-10 mg IV OR lorazepam 2mg IV q5min PRN agitation
#*[[Diazepam]] 5-10 mg IV OR lorazepam 2mg IV q5min PRN agitation
**Avoid [[haldol]] (lowers seizure threshold, contributes to dysrhythmias, hyperthermia)  
#*Avoid [[haldol]] (lowers seizure threshold, contributes to dysrhythmias, hyperthermia)  
*Cooling (if needed)
#Cooling (if needed)
*Hypertensive emergency
#Hypertensive emergency
**[[Benzos]]
#*[[Benzos]]
**Phentolamine 2.5-5mg IV (direct alpha-adrenergic antagonist, anti-hypertensive of choice) <ref>Rosen's</ref> OR nitroprusside 0.3mcg/kg/min
#*Phentolamine 2.5-5mg IV (direct alpha-adrenergic antagonist, anti-hypertensive of choice) <ref>Rosen's</ref> OR nitroprusside 0.3mcg/kg/min
**[[Beta-blockers]] contraindicated
#*[[Beta-blockers]] contraindicated
***May cause paradoxical HTN
#**May cause paradoxical HTN


===[[Dysrhythmias]]===
===[[Dysrhythmias]]===

Revision as of 20:23, 4 June 2015

Background

Cocaine chemical structure
  • Works via blockade of presynaptic reuptake of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin

Clinical Features

  • Sympathomimetic toxidrome:
    • Tachycardia, diaphoresis, mydriasis, HTN, hyperthermia
  • May be associated with end organ damage:
    • Dysrhythmias
    • Aortic dissection
    • Pulmonary edema
    • MI
    • Encephalopathy
    • ICH
    • CVA
    • Intestinal ischemia
    • Renal failure (rhabdo)

Differential Diagnosis

Sympathomimetics

Diagnosis

Work-Up

  • Glucose
  • Chemistry
  • ECG
  • Troponin
  • Total CK
  • LFT
  • Coags
  • Consider CT/LP if concern for ICH
  • Consider lactate/CTA if concern for bowel ischemia

Evaluation

  • Generally clinical and historical diagnosis
  • Utox is rarely helpful
    • Can be potentially positive up to 72hr post-ingestion
  • ECG

Treatment

  1. Sedation
    • Diazepam 5-10 mg IV OR lorazepam 2mg IV q5min PRN agitation
    • Avoid haldol (lowers seizure threshold, contributes to dysrhythmias, hyperthermia)
  2. Cooling (if needed)
  3. Hypertensive emergency
    • Benzos
    • Phentolamine 2.5-5mg IV (direct alpha-adrenergic antagonist, anti-hypertensive of choice) [1] OR nitroprusside 0.3mcg/kg/min
    • Beta-blockers contraindicated
      • May cause paradoxical HTN

Dysrhythmias

  • Tachycardias usually respond to benzos
  • Wide complex tachycardia
    • Treat with bicarbonate 1-2 mEq IV bolus; titrate to pH 7.45-7.55
    • Consider lidocaine IV if refractory to NaHCO3 (controversial)

STEMI

  • Cardiac cath is safest option; consult (if possible) before using thrombolytics

Disposition

  • Patients who do not develop complications may be discharged to home
  • Patients demonstrating end organ dysfunction (CHF, ECG changes) should be admitted
    • Indications for admission for pts w/ cocaine intoxication and chest pain:
      • Persistent chest pain
      • ECG changes
      • Dysrhythimias
      • CHF
      • Elevated troponin
      • Requiring vasodilation
      • History of CAD or stent
      • Risk factors for CAD

Special Populations

  • Body Packers
    • Multiple packets of cocaine inserted in latex bags, ingested to cross borders
    • Each packet potentially toxic dose of cocaine (death likely if bag bursts)
    • Consider whole bowel irrigation
    • Surgical removal indicated for any evidence of cocaine toxicity
    • Do not d/c until all packets removed or 3 packet-free stools
  • Body Stuffers
    • Ingestion of illicit drugs while pursued by law enforcement; usually small quantity
    • Consider activated charcoal
    • Consider whole bowel irrigation if develop toxicity
    • Consider d/c if do not develop toxicity after 4hr obs

See Also

References

  1. Rosen's