Cocaine
Cocaine | |
---|---|
![]() | |
INN | |
Drug class | Stimulant, Local anesthetic |
Routes of administration | Topical, Oral, Insufflation, Intravenous, Smoking |
Pregnancy category | |
Bioavailability | Oral: 33% Insufflated: 60–80% Nasal Spray: 25–43% |
Metabolism | Liver (CYP3A4) |
Elimination half-life | |
Excretion | Kidney |
Legal status | Varies globally |
CAS Number | |
PubChem | |
DrugBank | |
ChemSpider | |
KEGG |
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant and local anesthetic derived from the coca plant. It is widely known for its illicit use due to its euphoric effects, but also has limited medical applications in anesthesia. Cocaine can be snorted, injected, smoked, or applied topically, each method affecting the onset and intensity of its effects.
History and Origin[edit | edit source]
Cocaine is derived from the leaves of the Erythroxylum coca plant, which is native to South America. Indigenous Andean cultures have chewed coca leaves for centuries to combat fatigue, hunger, and altitude sickness.
During the 19th century, cocaine was isolated and became widely used in medicine, beverages, and tonics. It was an active ingredient in the original formula of Coca-Cola, contributing to the brand's name.
Medical use of cocaine peaked in the early 20th century, but its addictive properties led to global regulation. Today, it remains a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States, allowing limited medical use as a local anesthetic.
Effects and Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]
Cocaine works by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine in the central nervous system. This leads to an increase in these neurotransmitters, creating euphoria, increased energy, and alertness.
Short-term Effects[edit | edit source]
- Euphoria – Intense pleasure and confidence
- Increased energy – Reduced fatigue
- Alertness – Heightened sensory perception
- Reduced appetite – Temporary suppression of hunger
- Numbness – When applied topically
Negative Effects[edit | edit source]
- Paranoia – Irrational fears or suspicions
- Increased heart rate – Risk of cardiac arrest
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Hallucinations – In some users
- Aggressive behavior
- Increased blood pressure – May lead to stroke or heart attack
Forms and Routes of Administration[edit | edit source]
Powdered Cocaine ("Coke") [edit | edit source]
- Method: Snorted, injected, or rubbed on gums
- Effects: Lasts 15–60 minutes
- Risks: Damage to nasal tissues, infections
Crack Cocaine ("Crack") [edit | edit source]
- Method: Smoked
- Effects: Intense but short-lived high
- Risks: Highly addictive, lung damage
Injectable Cocaine [edit | edit source]
- Method: Mixed with water and injected
- Effects: Immediate, intense high
- Risks: Overdose, HIV and Hepatitis C transmission from shared needles
Oral (Chewing Coca Leaves) [edit | edit source]
- Method: Chewed with alkaline substance
- Effects: Mild stimulation, prolonged effect
- Risks: Minimal compared to other forms
Medical Uses[edit | edit source]
Despite its recreational abuse, cocaine is still used medically, particularly in otolaryngology (ENT) and dentistry.
- Topical anesthesia – Used for nasal and throat surgeries
- Vasoconstriction – Reduces bleeding in minor procedures
- Pain relief – Historically used for toothaches (before being replaced by safer alternatives)
Dangers and Addiction[edit | edit source]
Cocaine is highly addictive, particularly when smoked or injected. Repeated use leads to tolerance, requiring higher doses for the same effect, increasing the risk of overdose.
Health Risks [edit | edit source]
- Heart complications – Increased risk of heart attack, arrhythmias
- Brain damage – Can cause strokes, seizures
- Respiratory issues – Crack cocaine users often develop lung disease
- Mental health disorders – Increases risk of depression, anxiety, psychosis
Cocaine Overdose Symptoms [edit | edit source]
- Extreme agitation
- Severe chest pain
- Hallucinations
- Hyperthermia (high fever)
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
In extreme cases, cocaine overdose can result in sudden death due to cardiac arrest or respiratory failure.
Legality and Global Regulation[edit | edit source]
Cocaine is illegal in most countries, except for limited medical use. It is classified as:
- Schedule II in the United States (restricted medical use)
- Class A in the United Kingdom
- Schedule 8 in Australia
- Class A in New Zealand
In many South American countries, chewing coca leaves remains legal due to cultural significance, but processed cocaine is strictly prohibited.
See Also[edit | edit source]
- Crack Cocaine
- Stimulants
- Local anesthetics
- Addiction
- Neurotransmitters
- Coca-Cola (History of Cocaine use)
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD