Does Cocaine Have Any Medical Uses

Does Cocaine Have Any Medical Uses Addiction Drug Use Cocaine Print Does Cocaine Have Any Medical Uses? By Naveed Saleh, MD, MS twitter linkedin Naveed Saleh, MD, MS, is a medical writer and editor covering new treatments and trending health news. Learn about our editorial policy Naveed Saleh, MD, MS Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on June 28, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on November 26, 2019 Jose Azel, Getty Images More in Addiction Drug Use Cocaine Heroin Marijuana Meth Ecstasy/MDMA Hallucinogens Opioids Prescription Medications Alcohol Use Addictive Behaviors Nicotine Use Coping and Recovery Whenever the word cocaine is mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind is its abuse on the streets and the terrible consequences of dependence on the drug. And its true, cocaine is most commonly abused as an illicit drug. However, although rarely discussed, cocaine also has medical uses. Cocaine has many legitimate uses and is an excellent topical anesthetic. (Topical means applied to the skin.) For example, consider the following position statement: The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Inc. considers cocaine to be a valuable anesthetic and vasoconstricting agent when used as part of the treatment of a patient by a physician. No other single drug combines the anesthetic and vasoconstricting properties of cocaine. Medical Use of Cocaine as an Anesthetic The fact that cocaine has anesthetic properties is unsurprising since cocaine and lidocaine are chemical cousins, and lidocaine is used as an anesthetic during dental procedures.?? Nevertheless, its compelling to take a closer look at cocaine as a medical treatment. Cocaine is a particularly effective local anesthetic that works by blocking nerve impulses. Specifically, by blocking norepinephrine uptake, cocaine causes vasoconstriction and anesthesia. As a medical treatment, cocaine is used during procedures involving the upper respiratory tract. In addition to anesthesia and vasoconstriction of the upper respiratory tract, cocaine also shrinks the mucosa or mucous membranes.?? Cocaine used during medical procedures comes in the form of a topical solution. This cocaine hydrochloride solution comes in three different concentrations: 1%, 4%, or 10%. Because of potential toxicity, usually, only 1% or 4% solutions are used.?? Cocaine as a Street Drug On the street, cocaine is sold as a crystalline powder. This powder is diluted or cut with sugars to increase its street value. Cocaine is also turned into crack, which takes the form of irregularly shaped chunks that are called rocks. Powdered cocaine can either be snorted or dissolved in water and turned into a solution that is injected into veins. Crack is smoked. When ingested, cocaine causes euphoria. It can also cause increased alertness, restlessness, irritability, and paranoia. Cocaine increases blood pressure and heart rate and can lead to heart attack and stroke.?? Actions and Effects of Cocaine Cocaine is an alkaloid derivative refined from coca leaves. Coca leaves grow on Erythroxylum Coca, a plant commonly found in South America. Cocaine is readily absorbed across mucous membranes including the linings of the nose and mouth, which explains why people who abuse the drug snort it or rub it on their gums. As a drug of abuse, cocaine works on the brain by blocking the reuptake of dopamineâ€"the feel good neurotransmitter. Cocaine also works by blocking the reuptake of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine, which also contribute to a short-lasting rush or euphoria experienced after ingestion.?? Other effects of the drug include increased heart rate and increased blood pressure as well as a boost in self-confidence, vigilance, and well-being. Over time, the chronic use of cocaine reduces the concentration of neurotransmitter metabolites thus permanently interfering brain function. Signs of chronic abuse include an intense craving for more drug and feelings of irritability, violent outbursts, paranoia, and depression. Repeated doses may also lead to involuntary motor activity, heart disease, seizures, psychoses, respiratory failure, sexual dysfunction, and death.?? In addition to powder, cocaine can also be abused in the form of crack. Crack is a yellow-white rock processed with ammonia or baking soda.  Crack rock is smoked or freebased using a crack pipe. Crack is even more potent, addictive, and dangerous than cocaine powder. People who have used crack only once have become addicted. Furthermore, crack pipes burn so hot that they can damage the lips and mouth resulting in bleeding. When people share a crack pipe, they can also share blood-borne diseases like HIV. A Word From Verywell Cocaine probably suffers from an image problem. Because most people automatically associate this drug with abuse, its use is feared, reviled, or parodied. In reality, however, like many other drugs that are often abused, including marijuana, opioids, and (possibly) MDMA, cocaine does have legitimate and beneficial uses. Please note, however, that the clinical uses of cocaine are absolutely confined to a clinical setting when administered by a physician. Cocaine bought off the street is always dangerous.