Table 2

Common toxidromes in illicit drug use

Toxidrome

Features

Drugs implicated

Adrenergic

Hypertension, tachycardia, mydriasis, diaphoresis, agitation, dry mucus membranes

Amphetamines, cocaine, ephedrine, phencyclidine

Sedative

Stupor and coma, confusion, slurred speech, apnea

Barbiturates, benzodiazepines, ethanol, opiates

Hallucinogenic

Hallucinations, psychosis, panic, fever, hyperthermia

Amphetamines, cannabinoids, cocaine

Narcotic

Altered mental status, slow shallow breaths, miosis, bradycardia, hypotension, hypothermia, decreased bowel sounds

Opiates

Epileptogenic

Hyperthermia, hyperrreflexia, tremors, seizures

Cocaine, phencyclidine

Adapted from [35].

Devlin and Henry Critical Care 2008 12:202   doi:10.1186/cc6166