Is Krokodil legal in the United States?
Veteran Use of Krokodil But in fact, krokodil is a street name for the drug desomorphine, which was originally created as a synthetic opioid prescription to help with pain. This has been illegal in the United States since the 1930s, but it has seen a recent uptick in use.
Why does Krokodil cause skin necrosis?
Groups exposed to krokodil presented several histological alterations, such as the substitution of the germinative and keratin layers for connective tissue and cellular infiltration. The loss of the keratin layer is also reported. Blood vessel obstruction might also be one of the causes of necrosis on the skin.
What is a drug called krokodil?
Krokodil (also known as crocodile, croc, krok, and poor man’s heroin) is a suspension of desomorphine as the core substance with contaminants like iodide, phosphorous, and heavy metals, which are the byproducts of the manufacturing process.
How does krokodil cause gangrene?
Krokodil can damage the blood vessels that prevent the body’s tissues from getting the blood it needs. Blood vessel damage associated with the drug can cause gangrene.
Why is krokodil on the rise in the US?
Krokodil pops up in United States just as it’s experiencing an opioid epidemic. These drugs come in many forms – both illicit and prescribed. There are many reasons for its rise in use, but healthcare professionals agree that one factor stands out as crucial: the increase in prescribed opioids.
Who are the victims of the drug Krokodil?
The victims of Krokodil are usually young people between ages 18 and 25, who turn to this drug for economic reasons. Desomorphine is an opioid analgesic that was first synthesized in the United States in 1932.
What does Krokodil stand for in medical category?
Krokodil refers both to chlorocodide, a codeine derivate, and to the excessive gross desquamation from gangrenous inflammation at the injection site that resembles scales of a crocodile. The use of desomorphine is prohibited internationally.
How does injection of krokodil affect the body?
Clinical presentation. Specifically with Krokodil, due to the high degree of contamination with various toxic byproducts, injection of Krokodil causes immediate tissue damage to blood vessels, muscle and bone. Multisystem organ dysfunction can occur including thyroid (due to iodine) and cartilage (due to phosphorus).