title: [Anesthesia in cocaine users.].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Cocaine is the illicit drug most frequently associated with death, and the anesthesiologist should be aware of the perioperative complications of this drug in patients with acute intoxication or with a history of chronic use. The knowledge of the neurophysiology, pharmacology, and physiopathological consequences of cocaine abuse may facilitate the care of these patients. The objective of this work was to review the information on cocaine and its interactions with anesthesia.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  This paper discusses the pharmacology, physiopathological consequences of cocaine use, and its interactions with anesthesia.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The knowledge and early recognition of the complications associated with the use of cocaine are essential for the adequate management of cocaine users. The anesthesiologist should be prepared because both regional and general anesthesia carry significant risks in those patients.
authors.affiliation: Fundação Faculdade Federal de Ciências Médicas de Porto Alegre.
authors.forename: Ana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Luft
authors.forename: Florentino Fernandes
authors.initials: FF
authors.lastname: Mendes