BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cocaine is the illicit drug most frequently associated with death, and the anesthesiologist should be aware of the perioperative complications of this drug in patients with acute intoxication or with a history of chronic use. The knowledge of the neurophysiology, pharmacology, and physiopathological consequences of cocaine abuse may facilitate the care of these patients. The objective of this work was to review the information on cocaine and its interactions with anesthesia. CONTENTS: This paper discusses the pharmacology, physiopathological consequences of cocaine use, and its interactions with anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge and early recognition of the complications associated with the use of cocaine are essential for the adequate management of cocaine users. The anesthesiologist should be prepared because both regional and general anesthesia carry significant risks in those patients.
COMPLICATIONS; DRUGS