Cocaine: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox drug
[[File:Kokain - Cocaine.svg|Cocaine|thumb]]
| Verifiedfields     = changed
[[File:Cocaine-from-xtal-1983-3D-balls.png|Cocaine 3D balls|thumb]]{{Infobox drug
| Watchedfields     = changed
| Verifiedfields = changed
| verifiedrevid     = 477165921
| Watchedfields = changed
| image             = Kokain - Cocaine.svg
| verifiedrevid = 477165921
| image_class       = skin-invert-image
| image = Kokain - Cocaine.svg
| width              =
| image_class = skin-invert-image
| alt                =
| caption = Structural formula of Cocaine
| caption           =
| image2 = Cocaine-from-xtal-1983-3D-balls.png
| image2             = Cocaine-from-xtal-1983-3D-balls.png
| width2 =
| width2             =
| alt2 =
| alt2               =


<!-- Clinical data -->
<!-- Clinical data -->
| pronounce         = kə(ʊ)ˈkeɪn
| pronounce = kə(ʊ)ˈkeɪn
| tradename         = Neurocaine,<ref>{{Cite book |vauthors=Nordegren T |title=The A-Z Encyclopedia of Alcohol and Drug Abuse |date=2002 |publisher=Universal-Publishers |isbn=978-1-58112-404-0 |page=461 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4yaGePenGKgC&pg=PA461 |access-date=3 September 2020 |archive-date=8 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240708191823/https://books.google.com/books?id=4yaGePenGKgC&pg=PA461#v=onepage&q&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> Goprelto,<ref name="Goprelto FDA label" /> Numbrino,<ref name="Numbrino FDA label" /> others
| tradename = Neurocaine, Goprelto, Numbrino
| Drugs.com          = {{drugs.com|CONS|cocaine}}
| routes_of_administration = '''[[Topical administration|Topical]]''', '''[[Oral administration|Oral]]''', '''[[Insufflation (medicine)|Insufflation]]''', '''[[Intravenous therapy|Intravenous]]''', '''[[Smoking]]'''
| MedlinePlus        =
| class = '''[[Stimulant]]''', '''[[Local anesthetic]]'''
| DailyMedID        = Cocaine
| ATC_prefix = N01
| pregnancy_AU      = <!-- A / B1 / B2 / B3 / C / D / X -->
| ATC_suffix = BC01
| pregnancy_AU_comment =
| pregnancy_category =
| dependency_liability = [[Physical dependence|Physical]]: Low [[Psychological dependence|Psychological]]: High<ref name=Gho2010>{{Cite book | vauthors = Ghodse H | title = Ghodse's Drugs and Addictive Behaviour: A Guide to Treatment|date=2010|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-1-139-48567-8|page=91|edition=4|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WYQ23OMjWbcC&pg=PA91|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910234911/https://books.google.com/books?id=WYQ23OMjWbcC&pg=PA91|archive-date=10 September 2017}}</ref>
| addiction_liability = High<ref>{{Cite book|title=Introduction to Pharmacology|edition=3 |date=2007|publisher=CRC Press|location=Abingdon|isbn=978-1-4200-4742-4|pages=222–223|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qfrLBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA222|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910234921/https://books.google.com/books?id=qfrLBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA222|archive-date=10 September 2017}}</ref>
| routes_of_administration = [[Topical]], [[Oral administration|by mouth]], [[insufflation (medicine)|insufflation]], [[intravenous]], [[smoking|inhalation]]
| class             = {{plainlist|
* [[SNDRI]];<ref name="Monoamines: Dopamine, Norepinephrin">{{Cite journal | vauthors = Azizi SA | title = Monoamines: Dopamine, Norepinephrine, and Serotonin, Beyond Modulation, "Switches" That Alter the State of Target Networks | journal = The Neuroscientist | pages = 121–143 | date = December 2020 | volume = 28 | issue = 2 | pmid = 33292070 | doi = 10.1177/1073858420974336 | s2cid = 228080727 | issn=1073-8584 }}</ref>
* [[Stimulant]];
* [[Local anesthetic]]}}
| ATC_prefix         = N01
| ATC_suffix         = BC01
| ATC_supplemental  = {{ATC|R02|AD03}}, {{ATC|S01|HA01}}, {{ATC|S02|DA02}}


<!-- Legal status -->
<!-- Legal status -->
| legal_AU           = Schedule 8
| legal_AU = Schedule 8
| legal_AU_comment  =
| legal_BR = F1
| legal_BR           = F1<!-- OTC, A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, D1, D2, E, F-->
| legal_CA = Schedule I
| legal_BR_comment  =
| legal_DE = Anlage III
| legal_CA           = Schedule I
| legal_NZ = Class A
| legal_CA_comment  =
| legal_UK = Class A
| legal_DE           = Anlage III
| legal_US = Schedule II
| legal_DE_comment  =
| legal_UN = N I III
| legal_NZ           = Class A
| legal_status = Varies globally
| legal_NZ_comment  =
| legal_UK           = Class A
| legal_UK_comment  =
| legal_US           = Schedule II
| legal_US_comment  = <ref name=DEA2017Sched>{{Cite web|title=DEA / Drug Scheduling|url=https://www.dea.gov/druginfo/ds.shtml|website=www.dea.gov|access-date=7 August 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809044016/https://www.dea.gov/druginfo/ds.shtml|archive-date=9 August 2017}}</ref>
| legal_UN           = N I III
| legal_UN_comment  =
| legal_status       = <!-- For countries not listed above -->


<!-- Pharmacokinetic data -->
<!-- Pharmacokinetics -->
| bioavailability   = {{plainlist|
| bioavailability = '''Oral''': 33% '''Insufflated''': 60–80% '''Nasal Spray''': 25–43%
* [[Oral administration|By mouth]]: 33%<ref name="fattinger2000">{{Cite journal | vauthors = Fattinger K, Benowitz NL, Jones RT, Verotta D | title = Nasal mucosal versus gastrointestinal absorption of nasally administered cocaine | journal = European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology | volume = 56 | issue = 4 | pages = 305–10 | date = July 2000 | pmid = 10954344 | doi = 10.1007/s002280000147 | s2cid = 20708443 }}</ref>
| metabolism = [[Liver]] ([[Cytochrome P450|CYP3A4]])
* [[Insufflation (medicine)|Insufflated]]: 60<ref>{{Cite journal | vauthors = Barnett G, Hawks R, Resnick R | title = Cocaine pharmacokinetics in humans | journal = Journal of Ethnopharmacology | volume = 3 | issue = 2–3 | pages = 353–66 | year = 1981 | pmid = 7242115 | doi = 10.1016/0378-8741(81)90063-5 }}</ref>–80%<ref>{{Cite journal | vauthors = Jeffcoat AR, Perez-Reyes M, Hill JM, Sadler BM, Cook CE | title = Cocaine disposition in humans after intravenous injection, nasal insufflation (snorting), or smoking | journal = Drug Metabolism and Disposition | volume = 17 | issue = 2 | pages = 153–9 | year = 1989 | pmid = 2565204 }}</ref>
| metabolites = '''[[Norcocaine]]''', '''[[Benzoylecgonine]]''', '''[[Cocaethylene]]'''
* [[Nasal spray]]: 25<ref name="Intranasal and oral cocaine kinetic">{{Cite journal | vauthors = Wilkinson P, Van Dyke C, Jatlow P, Barash P, Byck R | title = Intranasal and oral cocaine kinetics | journal = Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics | volume = 27 | issue = 3 | pages = 386–94 | date = March 1980 | pmid = 7357795 | doi = 10.1038/clpt.1980.52 | s2cid = 29851205 }}</ref>–43%<ref name="fattinger2000" />}}
| onset = Seconds to minutes
| protein_bound      =
| duration_of_action = 20 to 90 minutes
| metabolism         = [[Liver]], [[CYP3A4]]
| excretion = [[Kidney]]
| metabolites       = [[Norcocaine]], [[benzoylecgonine]], [[cocaethylene]]
| onset             = Seconds to minutes<ref name="Zimmerman2012" />
| duration_of_action = 20 to 90 minutes<ref name="Zimmerman2012" />
| excretion         = [[Kidney]]


<!-- Identifiers -->
<!-- Chemical Data -->
| index_label        =
| IUPAC_name = Methyl (1''R'',2''R'',3''S'',5''S'')-3-(benzoyloxy)-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane-2-carboxylate
| index2_label      =
| C = 17
| CAS_number_Ref    = {{cascite|correct|CAS}}
| H = 21
| CAS_number        = 50-36-2
| N = 1
| CAS_supplemental  =
| O = 4
| PubChem            = 446220
| 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
| IUPHAR_ligand      = 2286
| melting_point = 98°C
| DrugBank_Ref      = {{drugbankcite|correct|drugbank}}
| boiling_point = 187°C
| DrugBank          = DB00907
| solubility = 1.8 g/L (22 °C)
| ChemSpiderID_Ref  = {{chemspidercite|correct|chemspider}}
}}
| ChemSpiderID      = 10194104
 
| UNII_Ref          = {{fdacite|correct|FDA}}
'''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.
| UNII              = I5Y540LHVR
 
| KEGG_Ref          = {{keggcite|correct|kegg}}
== '''History and Origin''' ==
| KEGG              = D00110
[[File:Colcoca02.jpg|thumb|Leaves of the [[Coca]] plant, the source of Cocaine]]
| ChEBI_Ref          = {{ebicite|correct|EBI}}
 
| ChEBI              = 27958
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.
| ChEMBL_Ref        = {{ebicite|correct|EBI}}
 
| ChEMBL            = 370805
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.
| NIAID_ChemDB      =
 
| PDB_ligand        = COC
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.
| synonyms          = Coke, blow, snow, yay, [[crack cocaine|crack]] (in free base form)
 
== '''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]]


<!-- Chemical and physical data -->
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.
| 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
=== Short-term Effects ===
| H                  = 21
* Euphoria – Intense pleasure and confidence
| N                  = 1
* Increased energy – Reduced fatigue
| O                  = 4
* Alertness – Heightened sensory perception
| SMILES            = CN1[C@H]2CC[C@@H]1[C@@H](C(OC)=O)[C@@H](OC(C3=CC=CC=C3)=O)C2
* Reduced appetite – Temporary suppression of hunger
| StdInChI_Ref      = {{stdinchicite|correct|chemspider}}
* Numbness – When applied topically
| 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
 
| StdInChI_comment  =
=== Negative Effects ===
| StdInChIKey_Ref    = {{stdinchicite|correct|chemspider}}
* Paranoia – Irrational fears or suspicions
| StdInChIKey        = ZPUCINDJVBIVPJ-LJISPDSOSA-N
* Increased heart rate – Risk of [[cardiac arrest]]
| density            =
* Anxiety and restlessness
| density_notes      =
* Hallucinations – In some users
| melting_point      = 98<!--Pubchem-->
* Aggressive behavior
| melting_high      =
* Increased blood pressure – May lead to stroke or heart attack
| melting_notes      =
| boiling_point      = 187
| boiling_notes      =
| solubility        = 1.8
| sol_units          = g/L (22 °C)<!--YALKOWSKY,SH & DANNENFELSER,RM (1992) via Pubchem-->
| specific_rotation  =
}}
'''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]]
[[File:Cocaine_lines_2.jpg|Lines of Cocaine for snorting|thumb|left]]
[[File:Cocaine_hydrochloride_CII_for_medicinal_use.jpg|Cocaine hydrochloride CII for medicinal use|thumb]]
== Origin and effects ==
=== Where cocaine comes from ===
[[File:Colcoca02.jpg|thumb|Leaves of the Coca plant]]
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.


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]].
== '''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


=== Effects of cocaine ===
=== Crack Cocaine ("Crack") ===
When cocaine is applied topically (onto the skin or gums), it causes [[numbness]].
* Method: Smoked
* Effects: Intense but short-lived high
* Risks: Highly addictive, lung damage


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]].
=== Injectable Cocaine ===
* Method: Mixed with water and injected
* Effects: Immediate, intense high
* Risks: Overdose, [[HIV]] and [[Hepatitis C]] transmission from shared needles


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.
=== Oral (Chewing Coca Leaves) ===
* Method: Chewed with alkaline substance
* Effects: Mild stimulation, prolonged effect
* Risks: Minimal compared to other forms


== Cocaine as an illegal drug ==
== '''Medical Uses''' ==
{{main|Crack (drug)}}
Despite its recreational abuse, cocaine is still used medically, particularly in otolaryngology (ENT) and dentistry.
[[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).
* 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)


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.
== '''Dangers and Addiction''' ==
[[File:CocaineHydrochloridePowder.jpg|thumb|Cocaine hydrochloride powder, commonly abused in illicit drug use]]


== Dangers of using cocaine ==
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.
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).
=== 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 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]].
=== Cocaine Overdose Symptoms ===
* Extreme agitation
* Severe chest pain
* Hallucinations
* Hyperthermia (high fever)
* Seizures
* Loss of consciousness


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.
In extreme cases, cocaine overdose can result in sudden death due to cardiac arrest or respiratory failure.


== Cocaine as a legal medicine ==
== '''Legality and Global Regulation''' ==
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]].
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


[[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.
In many South American countries, chewing coca leaves remains legal due to cultural significance, but processed cocaine is strictly prohibited.
== Notes and references ==
{{reflist}}


== '''See Also''' ==
* '''[[Crack Cocaine]]'''
* '''[[Stimulants]]'''
* '''[[Local anesthetics]]'''
* '''[[Addiction]]'''
* '''[[Neurotransmitters]]'''
* '''[[Coca-Cola]] (History of Cocaine use)'''
{{Drug use}}
{{Drug use}}
{{Euphoriants}}
{{Euphoriants}}
{{Stimulants}}
{{Stimulants}}
{{Local anesthetics}}
{{Local anesthetics}}
{{Ancient anaesthesia-footer}}
[[Category:Cocaine]]
{{Ion channel modulators}}
[[Category:Illegal drugs]]
{{Monoamine reuptake inhibitors}}
[[Category:Stimulants]]
{{Sigma receptor modulators}}
{{Authority control}}
 
[[Category:Cocaine| ]]
[[Category:1855 introductions]]
[[Category:1855 in science]]
[[Category:Alkaloids found in Erythroxylum]]
[[Category:Anorectics]]
[[Category:Benzoate esters]]
[[Category:Carboxylate esters]]
[[Category:Cardiac stimulants]]
[[Category:CYP2D6 inhibitors]]
[[Category:Euphoriants]]
[[Category:German inventions]]
[[Category:Glycine receptor agonists]]
[[Category:Local anesthetics]]
[[Category:Local anesthetics]]
[[Category:Methyl esters]]
[[Category:Schedule II controlled substances]]
[[Category:Otologicals]]
[[Category:Substance abuse]]
[[Category:Powders]]
[[Category:Drugs affecting the nervous system]]
[[Category:Secondary metabolites]]
[[Category:Serotonin–norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitors]]
[[Category:Sigma agonists]]
[[Category:Stimulants]]
[[Category:Sympathomimetic amines]]
[[Category:Teratogens]]
[[Category:Tropane alkaloids found in Erythroxylum coca]]
[[Category:Vasoconstrictors]]
{{stub}}
[[Category:Illegal drugs]]
== Cocaine ==
<gallery>
File:Kokain - Cocaine.svg|Cocaine
File:Cocaine-from-xtal-1983-3D-balls.png|Cocaine
</gallery>

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
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


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
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]

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.

See Also[edit]

Stimulants
Adamantanes
Adenosine antagonists
Alkylamines
Ampakines
Arylcyclohexylamines


Local anesthetics (primarily sodium channel blockers) (N01B)
Esters by acid
Amides
Combinations
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