Summary of Advanced Treatment in Cocaine OD

Abstract

Since the cause of an altered mental status in a person before having a lab test is never clear, initial treatment should comprise of the following 1. ABC’s (airway, breathing, cardiovascular support) 2. 100 ml 50% dextrose intravenously for reversal of a potential hypoglycemia 3. Thiamine 100 mg intramuscular for a potential alcoholic intoxication and for prevention of a Korsakoff syndrome 4. 2 mg naloxone intravenously for reversal of a potential opioid overdose This is followed by a particular regimen treating the symptoms because a specific antidote is not available. Special attention should focus on potential cardiac arrhythmias as they are the prodromi of detrimental ventricular fibrillation (Fig. 44).