Krokodil : Side-effects, Uses, Introduction and More

Quick Information

1. Introduction
2. Uses
3. Is Krokodil addictive
4. Side-effects

Introduction –

Krokodil is also known as desomorphine and was first discovered or patented by a German working for Knoll in the year 1920. After that, it was synthesized in the year 1932 by Lyndon Frederick Small. Lyndon also patented it in the United States in the year 1934.

Desomorphine is popular or known by the street name krokodil, is an opioid derivative of codeine with sedative and analgesic effects and is highly addictive. This medicine is also known as ‘’Russian Magic” which refers to its short period of opioid intoxication. It was used under the name of Permonid in Switzerland. Earlier this medicine was used in Russia and Switzerland for the treatment of severe pain. As per a report, this medicine is fast-acting within 2 to 3 minutes and 10 to 15 times more powerful as compared with morphine with three times toxic.

This drug is widely used as an inexpensive substitute for heroin that produces a similar strong euphoric high. Krokodil can be consumed orally and is effects for around two hours that is shorter than heroin. Several people use this drug to avoid withdrawal symptoms and consequently, they become addicted very quickly.

Krokodil is the Russian spelling for a crocodile with a few other names and spellings such as Krocodil, croc, krok, and many more. This medicine was first launched in Russia in the year 2000 that made by synthesizing desomorphine from codeine and mixing it with other additives including iodine, gasoline, lighter fluid, hydrochloric acid, red phosphorus, and paint thinner. These additives may be causes notorious side effects.  Both Ukraine and Russia are most affected by this medicine.

Uses –

This medicine is used for the treatment of pain that is caused by trauma in the year 1935. Krokodil is stronger than morphine with less nausea and is no longer use today. As per the United States, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies desomorphine as a Schedule substance. It means that it has a high possibility for misuse without any accepted medical use.

In Russia, codeine tablets are available without a prescription. Most of the people use this drug as a cheaper substitute for heroin. There are around 1 million people who use krokodil in Russia.

Is Krokodil addictive –

This drug is highly addictive that may cause physical dependence in a short period. It is very addictive due to its ability to cause a powerful drug that may last for some hours. This drug is inexpensive as compared with heroin and easy to make at home. Thus, most of the people use krokodil for a quick high and avoid several side effects.

Side-effects –

There are several side effects of this drug are as given below –

• Muscle and cartilage damage

  – Krokodil may damage muscle and cartilage after using this drug. This drug is 10 times stronger than morphine. Due to its pain-relieving property, people use this drug and ignore these side effects.

• Damage to blood vessels

  – Krokodil may damage blood vessels, which prevent the tissues of the body from getting the blood. The damage of blood vessels is linked to the drug may cause gangrene. The use of this drug can also lead to thrombophlebitis, which is inflammation of a vein and is caused by a blood clot.

• Skin necrosis

  – As per reports, individuals are suffering from significant swelling and pain in that area where this drug is injected and is followed by skin discoloration. Krokodil is also not purified before injection and it may cause skin irritation after injection.

• Harmful for bone

  – This drug also causes bone infections (osteomyelitis) and bone death (osteonecrosis) in parts of the body that is separate from the injection site. When blood flow to the bone slows or stopped then it may cause bone death. The use of krokodil has been linked to several side effects and complications such as kidney failure, pneumonia, drug overdose, liver damage, meningitis, brain damage, and sepsis.

There are some other side effects after using this drug are listed below –

• Memory loss
• Gangrene
• Blood clots
• Damage several tissues
• Pneumonia
• Tooth loss
• Poisoning in blood
• Meningitis
• Kidney or liver damage