Cocaine: Difference between revisions

Cocaine
	File:Kokain - Cocaine.svg
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

Latest revision as of 17:18, 19 March 2025

File:Kokain - Cocaine.svg

Cocaine

File:Cocaine-from-xtal-1983-3D-balls.png

Cocaine 3D balls

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]

File:Colcoca02.jpg

Leaves of the Coca plant, the source of Cocaine

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]

File:Cocaine lines 2.jpg

Lines of Cocaine prepared for snorting

File:Cocaine hydrochloride CII for medicinal use.jpg

Cocaine hydrochloride for medicinal use

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]

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]

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]

Powdered Cocaine ("Coke") [edit]

Method: Snorted, injected, or rubbed on gums
Effects: Lasts 15–60 minutes
Risks: Damage to nasal tissues, infections

Crack Cocaine ("Crack") [edit]

Method: Smoked
Effects: Intense but short-lived high
Risks: Highly addictive, lung damage

Injectable Cocaine [edit]

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]

Method: Chewed with alkaline substance
Effects: Mild stimulation, prolonged effect
Risks: Minimal compared to other forms

Medical Uses[edit]

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]

File:CocaineHydrochloridePowder.jpg

Cocaine hydrochloride powder, commonly abused in illicit drug use

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]

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]

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]

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.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Cocaine''' (also '''cocain''') is a [[drug]] that is made from [[Coca|coca leaves]]. Cocaine is usually a white powder. Most cocaine is used as an [[illegal drug]]. Because it is a [[stimulant]], cocaine gives people energy. It also makes people feel very happy when it is taken. When used this way, cocaine is very [[addiction|addictive]]. However, cocaine can also be used as a local [[anesthetic]] if it is applied topically (onto the skin or [[gums]]).<ref>''Macmillan Dictionary for Students'' Macmillan, Pan Ltd. (1981), page 192. Retrieved 2010-7-21.</ref>
-[[File:Cocaine.svg|thumb|right]]
-== Origin and effects ==
+[[File:Kokain - Cocaine.svg|Cocaine|thumb]]
-=== Where cocaine comes from ===
+[[File:Cocaine-from-xtal-1983-3D-balls.png|Cocaine 3D balls|thumb]]{{Infobox drug
-[[File:Colcoca02.jpg|thumb|Leaves of the Coca plant]]
+| Verifiedfields = changed
-Cocaine is taken from the leaves of the [[coca]] plant. Coca plants are mostly grown in [[South America]], in countries like [[Brazil]] or [[Argentina]]. When [[Spain|Spanish]] [[Conquistador|conquistadors]] (explorers) discovered coca plants, they sent them back to [[Europe]]. People started using cocaine as a medicine, as well as in drinks and food. This was because they did not know how damaging and addictive the drug could be when used.
+| Watchedfields = changed
+| verifiedrevid = 477165921
+| image = Kokain - Cocaine.svg
+| image_class = skin-invert-image
+| caption = Structural formula of Cocaine
+| image2 = Cocaine-from-xtal-1983-3D-balls.png
+| width2 =
+| alt2 =
-In America, cocaine was used during [[surgery]], or to treat [[Toothache|toothaches]]. It was also put into drinks. When [[Coca-Cola]] was first made in 1885, it got the first part of its name from the "handful of coca leaves" added to the drink for energy. (The [[caffeine]] in the drink came from the kola nut, so the name "Coca-Cola" was chosen.) Cocaine was taken out of Coca-Cola completely by the 1920s because of pressure from groups in the [[United States]].
+<!-- Clinical data -->
+| pronounce = kə(ʊ)ˈkeɪn
+| tradename = Neurocaine, Goprelto, Numbrino
+| routes_of_administration = '''[[Topical administration|Topical]]''', '''[[Oral administration|Oral]]''', '''[[Insufflation (medicine)|Insufflation]]''', '''[[Intravenous therapy|Intravenous]]''', '''[[Smoking]]'''
+| class = '''[[Stimulant]]''', '''[[Local anesthetic]]'''
+| ATC_prefix = N01
+| ATC_suffix = BC01
-=== Effects of cocaine ===
+<!-- Legal status -->
-When cocaine is applied topically (onto the skin or gums), it causes [[numbness]].
+| legal_AU = Schedule 8
+| legal_BR = F1
+| legal_CA = Schedule I
+| legal_DE = Anlage III
+| legal_NZ = Class A
+| legal_UK = Class A
+| legal_US = Schedule II
+| legal_UN = N I III
+| legal_status = Varies globally
-When cocaine is chewed or eaten, [[Inhalation|inhaled]] into the nose ("snorted"), or [[Injection|injected]] into the [[vein]]s, it causes people to feel [[Euphoria|euphoric]] (very happy), alert, very confident, and full of energy.  This feeling is called being "high."  Some people who take cocaine also have unpleasant feelings.  They may feel worried, [[Anxiety|anxious]], or even [[paranoia|paranoid]].  They may also have physical [[symptoms]], like shaking, a high [[heart rate]], and high body [[temperature]].
+<!-- Pharmacokinetics -->
+| bioavailability = '''Oral''': 33% '''Insufflated''': 60–80% '''Nasal Spray''': 25–43%
+| metabolism = [[Liver]] ([[Cytochrome P450|CYP3A4]])
+| metabolites = '''[[Norcocaine]]''', '''[[Benzoylecgonine]]''', '''[[Cocaethylene]]'''
+| onset = Seconds to minutes
+| duration_of_action = 20 to 90 minutes
+| excretion = [[Kidney]]
-Cocaine cannot be smoked in its normal form. It must [[Chemical reaction|react with another chemical]] to form [[Crack (drug)|crack cocaine]], which can be smoked. This is because burning normal cocaine destroys it, so the user does not get the effect they want.
+<!-- Chemical Data -->
+| IUPAC_name = Methyl (1''R'',2''R'',3''S'',5''S'')-3-(benzoyloxy)-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane-2-carboxylate
+| C = 17
+| H = 21
+| N = 1
+| O = 4
+| StdInChI = 1S/C17H21NO4/c1-18-12-8-9-13(18)15(17(20)21-2)14(10-12)22-16(19)11-6-4-3-5-7-11/h3-7,12-15H,8-10H2,1-2H3/t12-,13+,14-,15+/m0/s1
+| melting_point = 98°C
+| boiling_point = 187°C
+| solubility = 1.8 g/L (22 °C)
+}}
-== Cocaine as an illegal drug ==
+'''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.
-{{main|Crack (drug)}}
-[[File:CocaineHydrochloridePowder.jpg|thumb|Cocaine hydrochloride powder]]
-In most countries, it is illegal to make, sell, or use cocaine (unless it is being used for approved medical reasons).
+== '''History and Origin''' ==
+[[File:Colcoca02.jpg|thumb|Leaves of the [[Coca]] plant, the source of Cocaine]]
-As an [[Illegal drugs|illegal drug]], cocaine can be used in its powder form, or it can be made into crack cocaine. Usually, crack is made by adding [[baking soda]] and water to cocaine and then heating the mixture. Crack is usually less expensive than the normal form of cocaine. Crack is usually smoked. It gives users a high that is very strong, but does not last as long as the high from regular cocaine. Both forms of cocaine are addictive, although crack cocaine is thought to be more addictive as it is usually smoked.
+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.
-== Dangers of using cocaine ==
+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.
-If people use cocaine, they may take too much and get sick or even die. This is called an "[[overdose]]". When people take cocaine, they get [[Intoxication|intoxicated]] as well. When a person is intoxicated, they may do dangerous things, such as having unsafe [[sex]] with a person they do not know, or getting into a violent fight with a person.
-If a person uses cocaine for a long time, they can start to get strange feelings, like there are bugs crawling under their skin, or they can get [[paranoia]] (a feeling that there are people that want to hurt them).
+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.
-Cocaine is a very addictive drug. It can lead to psychological and/or physical [[Drug addiction|dependence]]. When a person is addicted to a drug, they might do bad or criminal acts in order to get money for more drugs, such as [[crime]]s (for example [[theft]], [[robbery]], [[fraud]], or [[prostitution]]).  If the person tries to stop using cocaine, they will go through [[cocaine withdrawal]].
+== '''Effects and Mechanism of Action''' ==
+[[File:Cocaine_lines_2.jpg|thumb|Lines of Cocaine prepared for snorting]]
+[[File:Cocaine_hydrochloride_CII_for_medicinal_use.jpg|thumb|Cocaine hydrochloride for medicinal use]]
-Another danger from using cocaine is the risk of [[infection]] when using unsafe ways of taking cocaine (like using dirty needles when [[Injection|injecting]] cocaine). A person can get [[Infectious disease|infectious diseases]] like [[HIV]] or [[Hepatitis C]] when they use cocaine in these ways.
+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.
-== Cocaine as a legal medicine ==
+=== Short-term Effects ===
-Cocaine is also occasionally used as a legal [[Medication|medicine]] in [[Australia]] and some parts of [[Europe]], if a person has a [[prescription]] from a [[Medical doctor|doctor]]. Doctors sometimes prescribe cocaine for people who want to lose weight, because cocaine decreases the [[appetite]].
+* Euphoria – Intense pleasure and confidence
+* Increased energy – Reduced fatigue
+* Alertness – Heightened sensory perception
+* Reduced appetite – Temporary suppression of hunger
+* Numbness – When applied topically
-[[Dentistry|Dentists]] in countries like Australia sometimes use forms of cocaine in dental operations, as an [[anaesthetic]]. Anaesthetics are medicines or drugs which stop a person from feeling [[pain]]. Doctors, [[surgeons]], and dentists use anaesthetics when they are doing operations, so that the patient will not feel pain. Dentists put the cocaine on the patient's mouth so that the patient will not feel pain in their mouth during the operation.
+=== Negative Effects ===
-== Notes and references ==
+* Paranoia – Irrational fears or suspicions
-{{reflist}}
+* Increased heart rate – Risk of [[cardiac arrest]]
-{{stub}}
+* Anxiety and restlessness
+* Hallucinations – In some users
+* Aggressive behavior
+* Increased blood pressure – May lead to stroke or heart attack
+== '''Forms and Routes of Administration''' ==
+=== Powdered Cocaine ("Coke") ===
+* Method: Snorted, injected, or rubbed on gums
+* Effects: Lasts 15–60 minutes
+* Risks: Damage to nasal tissues, infections
+=== Crack Cocaine ("Crack") ===
+* Method: Smoked
+* Effects: Intense but short-lived high
+* Risks: Highly addictive, lung damage
+=== Injectable Cocaine ===
+* Method: Mixed with water and injected
+* Effects: Immediate, intense high
+* Risks: Overdose, [[HIV]] and [[Hepatitis C]] transmission from shared needles
+=== Oral (Chewing Coca Leaves) ===
+* Method: Chewed with alkaline substance
+* Effects: Mild stimulation, prolonged effect
+* Risks: Minimal compared to other forms
+== '''Medical Uses''' ==
+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''' ==
+[[File:CocaineHydrochloridePowder.jpg|thumb|Cocaine hydrochloride powder, commonly abused in illicit drug use]]
+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 ===
+* 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 ===
+* 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''' ==
+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''' ==
+* '''[[Crack Cocaine]]'''
+* '''[[Stimulants]]'''
+* '''[[Local anesthetics]]'''
+* '''[[Addiction]]'''
+* '''[[Neurotransmitters]]'''
+* '''[[Coca-Cola]] (History of Cocaine use)'''
+{{Drug use}}
+{{Euphoriants}}
+{{Stimulants}}
+{{Local anesthetics}}
+[[Category:Cocaine]]
 [[Category:Illegal drugs]]
+[[Category:Stimulants]]
+[[Category:Local anesthetics]]
+[[Category:Schedule II controlled substances]]
+[[Category:Substance abuse]]
+[[Category:Drugs affecting the nervous system]]