A hallucinogen formerly used as a veterinary anesthetic, and briefly as a general anesthetic for humans. Phencyclidine is similar to KETAMINE in structure and in many of its effects. Like ketamine, it can produce a dissociative state. It exerts its pharmacological action through inhibition of NMDA receptors (RECEPTORS, N-METHYL-D-ASPARTATE). As a drug of abuse, it is known as PCP and Angel Dust.

Developed as an anesthetic for humans in 1959. Its use was discontinued due to extreme side effects that included delirium, confusion, visual disturbances, hallucinations and violence; some evidence of long-term memory disorders and schizophrenia-like syndrome has been observed. Phencyclidine, a substance of abuse also know as 'angel dust', can cause physical and psychological distresses, such as coma, seizures, convulsions, respiratory depression, and cardiac problems.

This drug is both a legitimate prescription anesthetic and a notoriously abused street drug also known as "angel dust."