Toxicity of cocaine

Abuse of central nervous system (CNS) stimulants continues to escalate within the United States. This group of powerful drugs includes cocaine, "crack" (free-base cocaine), methamphetamine, and "ice" (free-base methamphetamine). The pharmacological actions are similar among these agents, but their onsets and durations of action differ. Patients using and abusing cocaine and methamphetamines may present themselves as dental patients. It is therefore important for dental clinicians to understand the pharmacology of these drugs.