BMC pharmacology & toxicology
May 26, 2016
Evangelia Liakoni, Patrick C Dolder, Katharina M Rentsch et al.
24 citations
Of 50,624 emergency department visits at a Swiss university hospital over one year, 210 were due to acute recreational drug toxicity. Patients averaged 33 years old, 73% were male. Cocaine (33%), cannabis (32%), and heroin (14%) were the most reported substances; analytical testing confirmed cannabis (33%), cocaine (27%), and opioids excluding methadone (19%) most often. Only two cases involved novel psychoactive substances (NPS): one severe intoxication with PMMA and one minor with 2C-P. Common symptoms included tachycardia (28%), anxiety (23%), nausea or vomiting (18%), and agitation (17%). Severe outcomes included two deaths, two heart attacks, 13 seizures, and six psychosis cases. Most patients (76%) were discharged; 10% required intensive care. Classic drugs like cocaine and cannabis caused most problems, while NPS were rarely seen despite their increased detection elsewhere.
BMC pharmacology & toxicology
August 29, 2025
Bin Deng, Zhiwen Fu, Linjie Li et al.
3 citations
Older adults (65 years or older) treated with esketamine experience a higher risk of severe psychiatric and general adverse events compared to younger adults. Analysis of FDA Adverse Event Reporting System data from 2019 to 2024, covering 536 reports from older adults and 3,566 from younger adults, found that older adults had a higher incidence of dissociation, suicidal ideation, depression, and anxiety. They also reported more general and administration site conditions, indicating greater susceptibility to systemic and local reactions. Gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders were less frequent in older adults, but their potential impact remains critical. These findings highlight the need for careful patient selection, monitoring, and tailored treatment protocols for older adults receiving esketamine.
BMC pharmacology & toxicology
April 11, 2026
O O Obembe, E T George, R A Mustapha et al.
Chronic MDMA exposure in male rats initially increased sexual behaviors such as mounting, intromission, and ejaculation, but these declined during withdrawal. Sperm count and motility decreased after MDMA treatment, with partial recovery after a 30-day drug-free period. Markers of oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines increased in both serum and testes, while antioxidant enzymes decreased. MDMA also suppressed luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and testosterone levels. Testicular histology showed reduced spermatid populations, which improved after cessation. Partial recovery after stopping MDMA suggests potential long-term reproductive risks.
BMC pharmacology & toxicology
January 30, 2026
Enayatollah Seydi, Sana Ghanizadeh, Farzaneh Jokar et al.
Ketamine, a drug with various pharmacological effects, can cause brain side effects and neurotoxicity by inducing oxidative stress and impairing mitochondrial function. In rat brain neurons, ketamine reduced cell viability (half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 4 µM) and, at 2, 4, and 8 µM, increased reactive oxygen species, damaged mitochondrial and lysosomal membranes, and raised cytochrome c release. The antioxidant α-tocopherol at 10 µM prevented these effects caused by 8 µM ketamine: it reduced oxidative stress, preserved membrane integrity, and decreased apoptosis signaling, suggesting a potential protective role against ketamine neurotoxicity.