4'-Fluorococaine

4'-Fluorococaine is a tropane derivative drug which is a synthetic analogue of cocaine. Unlike related compounds such as the corresponding 4'-fluorophenyltropane derivative CFT and the 2'-hydroxy analogue salicylmethylecgonine, 4'-fluorococaine has only around the same potency as cocaine as an inhibitor of dopamine reuptake, but conversely it is a much stronger inhibitor of serotonin reuptake, resulting in a significantly altered pharmacological profile in animal studies.

Chemistry

4'-Fluorococaine is a fluorinated derivative of cocaine. It belongs to the class of tropane alkaloids. The fluorine atom at the 4' position in the phenyl ring enhances the lipophilicity of the molecule and improves its crossing of the blood-brain barrier.

Pharmacology

The pharmacological profile of 4'-Fluorococaine is primarily a strong serotonin reuptake inhibitor, with a secondary action as a moderate dopamine reuptake inhibitor. This differs significantly from cocaine which is primarily a potent dopamine reuptake inhibitor, with a secondary action as a moderate serotonin reuptake inhibitor.

Effects

The effects of 4'-Fluorococaine are not well documented, but are likely to be similar to those of cocaine, subject to the differences in the pharmacological profile as mentioned above. These may include feelings of euphoria, increased energy, and enhanced focus.

Legality

The legality of 4'-Fluorococaine varies by country, and it may be controlled under analogue laws in countries such as the United States and Canada.

See also

• List of cocaine analogues
• List of phenyltropanes