Pharmacokinetics of cocaine and metabolites following intragastric administration to ten-day-old rat pups

Abstract

Fetal cocaine exposure is a major problem resulting from the illicit use of cocaine by pregnant women. Studies examining the prevalence of cocaine use during pregnancy estimate usage ranges from 5-17% (I). Although no definitive syndrome has been defined, prenatal cocaine exposure is associated with decreased birth weight and size, brain injury and congenital anomalies (2).