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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 15, 2026

A Protocol for Measuring Cue Reactivity in a Rat Model of Cocaine Use Disorder

A Protocol for Measuring Cue Reactivity in a Rat Model of Cocaine Use Disorder

Published on: June 18, 2018

Cocaine and beta-blockers: the paradigm.

Senthilkumar Damodaran¹

¹Department of Internal Medicine, University at Buffalo, Erie County Medical Center, 462 Grider Street, Buffalo, New York 14215, USA. sd33@buffalo.edu

European Journal of Internal Medicine

|March 9, 2010

Summary

Beta-blockers may help manage cocaine toxicity, contrary to popular belief. This review examines their role in treating cardiovascular and central nervous system effects from cocaine use.

Area of Science:

Cardiology
Toxicology
Pharmacology

Background:

Cocaine is a widely abused substance with significant cardiovascular risks.
The use of beta-blockers in cocaine-induced acute coronary syndrome is controversial.
Traditional views often contraindicate beta-blockers in cocaine toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the potential role of beta-blockers in managing cocaine toxicity.
To review the evidence for beta-blocker use in cocaine-related cardiovascular and central nervous system effects.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies on beta-blocker use in cocaine toxicity.
Analysis of cardiovascular and central nervous system effects of cocaine.
Examination of the pharmacological interactions between cocaine and beta-blockers.

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Assessment of Cocaine-induced Behavioral Sensitization and Conditioned Place Preference in Mice

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Stereotaxic Microinjection of Viral Vectors Expressing Cre Recombinase to Study the Role of Target Genes in Cocaine Conditioned Place Preference

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Assessment of Cocaine-induced Behavioral Sensitization and Conditioned Place Preference in Mice

Assessment of Cocaine-induced Behavioral Sensitization and Conditioned Place Preference in Mice

Published on: February 18, 2016

Main Results:

Evidence suggests certain beta-blockers may ameliorate cocaine's adverse effects.
The contraindication of beta-blockers in cocaine toxicity may not be absolute.
Specific beta-blockers might offer therapeutic benefits in managing cocaine's impact.

Conclusions:

Beta-blockers could have a role in the management of cocaine toxicity.
Further research is needed to clarify the specific indications and safety profiles of beta-blockers in this context.
Clinical practice regarding beta-blocker use in cocaine toxicity may need re-evaluation.