Cocaine liberation from body packets in an in vitro model.
OBJECTIVE
To quantitatively assess cocaine liberation from various body packet materials.


METHODS
100-milligram cocaine packets (plastic bags with various wrapping techniques, paper, and condoms) were placed in a simulated gastric medium. Samples were also tested in an alkalinized gastric medium, with determination of both cocaine and benzoylecogonine concentrations using high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection.


RESULTS
Cocaine liberation was greatest in acid medium, with increasing liberation from condom packets to cellophane bags (three wrapping techniques used) to paper packets. The same trend was noted in alkaline medium but with a far lower maximum cocaine concentration accompanied by rapid hydrolysis to its inactive metabolite, benzoylecgonine.


CONCLUSIONS
Cocaine liberation of a known quantity of drug is dependent on the wrapping method and material used; thus, a good history from the "body-stuffer" is essential to predict potential cocaine liberation and toxicity. Rapid hydrolysis of cocaine to its inactive metabolite in an alkaline medium implies a role for gastric alkalinization in the acute management of these patients.
Aks
S E
SE
Department of Occupational Medicine, Cook County Hospital, Chicago, Illinois 60612.
Vander Hoek
T L
TL
Hryhorczuk
D O
DO
Negrusz
A
A
Tebbett
I
I
D000536:Aluminum Hydroxide / Q000494:pharmacology; D000863:Antacids / Q000494:pharmacology; D002476:Cellophane; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D003042:Cocaine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000378:metabolism / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D017280:Condoms; D004064:Digestive System; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000494:pharmacology; D005547:Foreign Bodies; D005750:Gastric Juice / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008276:Magnesium Hydroxide / Q000494:pharmacology; D010209:Paper; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000494:pharmacology
D000863:Antacids; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004573:Electrolytes; C033608:Golytely; C013591:aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, drug combination; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; C005618:benzoylecgonine; D000536:Aluminum Hydroxide; D002476:Cellophane; D003042:Cocaine; D008276:Magnesium Hydroxide