Hemodynamic effects of intra-arterial injection of drugs of abuse.

Acute vascular insufficiency following intra-arterial injection of a variety of drugs has been recognized for many years. The present study addresses the hypothesis that this vascular insufficiency may be due to vasospasm. Intra-arterial injections of logarithmic doses of drugs of abuse from the barbiturate, narcotic, non-narcotic analgesic, and amphetamine groups were studied in baboons. All drugs except amphetamine produced significant increases in femoral flow. Dextroamphetamine produced insignificant alteration in flow. Solid excipients, cornstarch, and talcum powder when injected intra-arterially decreased flow, and vascular obstruction was shown angiographically. These data suggest that vasospasm is not a primary response of intra-arterial injection of drugs of abuse.