title: "Krokodil":revival of an old drug with new problems.
abstract: In order to summarize current knowledge about the drug "Krokodil" a systematic review including a literature search of the databases PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google was conducted in December 2011. According to information acquired, "Krokodil" is a mixture of several substances and was first reported to have been used in Russia in 2003. The core agent of "Krokodil" is desomorphine, an opioid-analogue that can be easily and cheaply manufactured by oneself. Self-production results in a contaminated suspension that is injected intravenously. Due to its pharmacologic features, desomorphine shows a high potential to cause dependence. Against the background of first possible cases of "Krokodil" use in Western Europe, it appears advisable to provide information regarding the fatal consequences of "Krokodil."
authors.forename: Maximilian
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gahr
authors.forename: Roland W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Freudenmann
authors.forename: Christoph
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hiemke
authors.forename: Ingo M
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Gunst
authors.forename: Bernhard J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Connemann
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Schönfeldt-Lecuona
mesh_terms: D015198:Designer Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D009022:Morphine Derivatives / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012426:Russia / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D015198:Designer Drugs; D009022:Morphine Derivatives