β-Blockers for ED Presentations with Recent Cocaine Use: A Systematic Review

Background

Cocaine produces cardiovascular toxicity through intense sympathetic stimulation and direct myocardial injury, generating presentations ranging from hypertension and tachycardia to coronary vasospasm, arrhythmia, and myocardial depression. β-blockers are foundational therapies in acute coronary syndromes, yet their use after cocaine exposure remains controversial due to concerns about unopposed α-adrenergic stimulation.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PubMed and Google Scholar (2000–2026) were searched for observational studies of adults (≥18 years) presenting to acute care with recent cocaine use that compared outcomes between β-blocker recipients and non-recipients. Eligible studies reported in-hospital mortality, myocardial infarction/troponin rise, clinically significant arrhythmia, or haemodynamic instability. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale, and certainty of evidence using GRADE.

Results

Four retrospective ED cohorts (n = 1,140) met inclusion criteria; 503 patients received at least one β-blocker dose. Across studies, β-blocker use was not associated with increased in-hospital mortality or malignant arrhythmias. Myocardial infarction was heterogeneous and sensitive to definition and timing. Haemodynamic data showed no hypertensive surge and modest systolic blood pressure reductions. Risk of bias was moderate, and certainty of evidence very low to low.

Conclusions

In typical ED presentations of recent cocaine use, β-blocker administration does not appear to increase mortality, myocardial infarction, or malignant arrhythmias, and available haemodynamic data do not support a reproducible unopposed-α response. However, mechanistic and preclinical evidence suggests potential harm in severe intoxication or myocardial depression. A selective, phenotype-guided approach is warranted, and prospective mechanistic studies are needed.

Key Points

• Beta-blockers did not increase deaths, heart attacks, or dangerous heart rhythms in adults who came to the emergency department after recent cocaine use.

• Blood pressure generally decreased after beta-blocker treatment, and no consistent “unopposed alpha” reaction was seen in typical presentations.

• Caution is still needed in severe intoxication or cases with heart muscle weakness, but for most emergency presentations, beta-blockers appear safe when used appropriately.