Cocaethylene-induced lethality in mice is potentiated by alcohol

Mice of the heterogeneously bred HS line were concurrently administered intraperitoneal injections of either 95, 75, 60, or 48 mg/kg cocaethylene or 48, 38, or 30 mg/kg cocaethylene in conjunction with the non-lethal dose of 6.0 g/kg (20% w/v) alcohol. Results indicate that alcohol administration significantly potentiated cocaethylene-induced lethality. This observation suggests that alcohol is capable of enhancing the lethal effects of cocaethylene. Results are discussed in terms of observations of sudden death in humans who abuse cocaine and alcohol.