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Updated: Aug 18, 2026
Assessment of Cocaine-induced Behavioral Sensitization and Conditioned Place Preference in Mice
Published on: February 18, 2016
Ziprasidone pretreatment attenuates the lethal effects of cocaine in a mouse model
Nathan J Cleveland1, Christopher D Dewitt, Kennon Heard
1UCDHSC Emergency Medicine, 4200 East 9th Avenue, B215, Denver, CO 80262, USA.
Background:
Cocaine intoxication is a common cause of agitation in emergency department patients. Ziprasidone, an atypical antipsychotic, is being increasingly used for sedation of agitated patients in the emergency department.
Objectives:
To provide preliminary animal data on the efficacy of ziprasidone for the treatment of acute cocaine poisoning.
Methods:
This was a randomized, blinded comparison of ziprasidone and placebo for the prevention of seizures and apparent lethality in a mouse model of cocaine intoxication. Animals were assigned to either placebo or 0.4 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/m(2) of ziprasidone intraperitoneally 30 minutes prior to administration of 105 mg/kg of cocaine. Study outcomes were the proportions of animals having seizures and the apparent lethality.
Results:
1.2 mg/m(2) of ziprasidone decreased the lethal effects of cocaine by 50%, while 0.4 mg/kg decreased lethality by 13%. There was no effect on seizures at either dose.
Conclusions:
Ziprasidone pretreatment decreased lethality in this mouse model of severe cocaine intoxication.
