Journal of cardiovascular pharmacology
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J. Cardiovasc. Pharmacol. · Dec 1995
Cocaethylene causes dose-dependent reductions in cardiac function in anesthetized dogs.
Twelve million Americans abuse both cocaine and ethanol each year because this drug combination produces a pronounced and prolonged euphoria. However, these substances in combination are substantially more toxic than either drug alone. This toxicity may be due to cocaethylene, which has been detected in the serum of patients who have used cocaine and ethanol and two require emergency treatment. ⋯ These ECG changes persisted for 120 min. These experiments suggest cocaethylene depresses the myocardium. Cocaethylene may be a major contributor to the delayed but substantial cardiotoxicity that occurs in individuals who use both cocaine and ethanol.