Presently, it is one of the most common substances of abuse. The more common street names include PCP, PeaCe Pill, Angel Dust, Illy, Super Weed, Rocket Fuel, KJ, Elephant Tranquilizer and Wickey. PCP is available in a powder, tablet, leaf mixture, rock crystal and liquid form. It has also been found to act directly on blood vessels leading to vasospasm. It is primarily metabolized in the liver and undergoes significant enterohepatic recirculation.
Clinical effects occur within minutes and can last several hours.
The 1998 American Association of Poison Control Centers annual report noted 372 exposures to phencyclidine, and 2 deaths attributable to it. Death occurs from seizures or apnea. The majority of intoxicated individuals expire from trauma or respiratory complications. There is no scientific evidence that demonstrates different effects or outcomes dependent on race. There is no scientific evidence that demonstrates different effects or outcomes dependent on gender.