Phencyclidine Intoxication and Adverse Effects: A Clinical and Pharmacological Review of an Illicit Drug
The California journal of emergency medicine February 1, 2007 T. Bey, Anar J. Patel
Phencyclidine (PCP, 'angel dust') is a hallucinogenic drug that can induce euphoria, omnipotence, and superhuman strength, but also psychosis and agitation. It was formerly used as an anesthetic but withdrawn due to adverse effects. PCP is available in various forms (powder, tablet, liquid) and can be snorted, smoked, ingested, or injected. Inhalation accounts for 70% of use, with onset in 2-5 minutes. A typical laced cigarette contains 1 to 10 mg of the drug. PCP has a large volume of distribution (6.2 L/kg) and a half-life of about three days. No direct relationship between serum concentration and clinical effects has been found. PCP levels in the brain may be nine times serum levels, with CNS effects lasting from hours to days.