title: Phenytoin toxicity from cocaine adulteration.
abstract: The use of phenytoin (PHT) as a cocaine adulterant was reported decades ago; that practice is still current. Ironically PHT has also been used for the treatment of cocaine dependence. A drug smuggler developed PHT toxicity after swallowing several rocks of crack. We investigated the current trends of PHT as a cocaine adulterant and its toxicological implications. We also reviewed the clinical use of PTH in relation to cocaine. The use of PHT as cocaine cut is a current practice. This may affect the clinical manifestations and the management of the cocaine-related visits to the emergency department.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas.
authors.forename: Carlos J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Roldan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003042:Cocaine / Q000009:adverse effects; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D004340:Drug Contamination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010672:Phenytoin / Q000506:poisoning*; D015995:Prevalence; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D010672:Phenytoin; D003042:Cocaine