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Cocaine intoxication delirium

Last edited: 4/16/2026

Overview

Cocaine intoxication delirium is a severe neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by acute onset of altered mental status, often accompanied by agitation, hallucinations, and disorientation, secondary to cocaine use 1.

Diagnosis

  • Clinical Presentation: Altered mental status, agitation, hallucinations, disorientation 1.
  • History and Physical: Recent cocaine use, risk factors for substance abuse 1.
  • Laboratory Tests: Electrolyte imbalances, elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels suggestive of rhabdomolysis 1.
  • Differential Diagnosis: Consider rhabdomyolysis and other toxic metabolic encephalopathies 1.
  • Management

  • Supportive Care: Airway management, sedation (e.g., benzodiazepines) for agitation 1.
  • Hydration: Intravenous fluids to manage dehydration and electrolyte imbalances 1.
  • Monitoring: Close monitoring of vital signs, renal function, and CK levels 1.
  • Specific Treatments: No specific antidote; focus on supportive measures 1.
  • Special Populations

  • Comorbidities: Consider acute rhabdomyolysis in HIV-positive individuals with cocaine use 1.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Consider recent cocaine use in the differential diagnosis of acute rhabdomyolysis without obvious precipitating factors (Evidence: Weak) 1.
  • Implement supportive measures including sedation and fluid resuscitation for managing delirium and potential rhabdomyolysis (Evidence: Expert opinion) 1.
  • Monitor for and manage electrolyte imbalances and renal function closely in patients with cocaine-induced delirium (Evidence: Expert opinion) 1.
  • References

    1 Censori B, Camerlingo M, Casto L, Ferraro B, Gazzaniga GC, Partziguian T et al.. Acute rhabdomyolysis associated with acute cocaine intoxication. A case report. Italian journal of neurological sciences 1993. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Acute rhabdomyolysis associated with acute cocaine intoxication. A case report.Censori B, Camerlingo M, Casto L, Ferraro B, Gazzaniga GC, Partziguian T et al. Italian journal of neurological sciences (1993)

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