Acute Neurologic Toxicity Related to Nasal Insufflation of Crushed Oxycodone: A Case Series and Review of the Literature

Oxycodone is a prescription semisynthetic opiate that has been at the center of an increase in prescription drug abuse. The brain toxicity of oxycodone has not been well established, particularly when the drug is not used as intended, such as nasal insufflation of crushed oxycodone pills. Three cases are presented of acute neurologic injury in patients after nasal insufflation of oxycodone and discussed potential pathogenesis, which may differ from that of other commonly abused opiates.