European Journal of Internal Medicine
Volume 21, Issue 2 , Pages 84-86, April 2010

Cocaine and beta-blockers: The paradigm

Department of Internal Medicine — University at Buffalo, Erie County Medical Center, 462 Grider Street, Buffalo, New York 14215, USA

Received 21 September 2009; received in revised form 24 November 2009; accepted 25 November 2009. published online 14 December 2009.

Abstract 

Cocaine is one of the most commonly used substances of abuse. The use of beta-blockers in cocaine induced acute coronary syndrome has long been a matter of debate. While it is widely believed that beta-blockers are contraindicated in cocaine toxicity, there appears to be some recognizable role for certain beta-blockers in ameliorating the cardiovascular as well as central nervous system effects of cocaine. This article explores the role of beta-blockers in the management of cocaine toxicity.

Keywords: Cocaine, Beta blockers, Acute coronary syndrome, Carvedilol

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PII: S0953-6205(09)00241-6

doi:10.1016/j.ejim.2009.11.010

European Journal of Internal Medicine
Volume 21, Issue 2 , Pages 84-86, April 2010

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