'Krokodil'-Revival of an Old Drug with New Problems.

In order to summarize current knowledge about the drug 'Krokodil' a systematic review including a literature search of the databases PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google was conducted in December 2011. According to information acquired, 'Krokodil' is a mixture of several substances and was first reported to have been used in Russia in 2003. The core agent of 'Krokodil' is desomorphine, an opioid-analogue that can be easily and cheaply manufactured by oneself. Self-production results in a contaminated suspension that is injected intravenously. Due to its pharmacologic features, desomorphine shows a high potential to cause dependence. Against the background of first possible cases of 'Krokodil' use in Western Europe, it appears advisable to provide information regarding the fatal consequences of 'Krokodil.' [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]