Cocaine (Cocaine)
Overview of Cocaine
Cocaine is an alkaloid. Chemically Cocaine is benzoylmethylecgonine. Cocaine is a cerebral stimulant and increases the alertness and helps stay awake. It has been used for atleast 1200 years in custom of chewing coca leaves by natives of the South American Andes. It was isolated as the active material in 1844 from Brazikian coca leaves by Gaedken, which for many years was the only source of it. At present the alkaloid is obtained from Java coca leaves. its anesthetic properties, especially its topical anesthetic action were discovered in 1870s and 1880s. its sole clinical use is as a local anesthetic. It readily enters the central nervous system and produces an amphetamine like effects that is short lasting and more intense. Cocaine is a very heavily abused drug because it can be smoked, snorted or injected for rapid onset of effect.
Indication of Cocaine
Cocaine is primarily indicated in conditions like Cluster headache, Local anaesthesia, Local anaesthetic, Pain, Surface anaesthetic.
Contraindication of Cocaine
Cocaine is contraindicated in conditions like Opthalmologic anaesthesia.
Side Effects of Cocaine
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Cocaine, which give rise to further complications include Tachycardia, Acute anxiety reactions, High blood pressure, Paranoia, Muscle twitching, Psychological dependence, Myocardial ischemia.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Cocaine include Tachycardia, Hypertension, Skin pallor, Ventricular arrhythmias, Medullary stimulation, Clonic seizures.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Cocaine are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Irritability, Hallucination, Hyperactivity, Paranoid ideation, Lassitude, Repetitive behaviour patterns.
Precautions of Cocaine
Avoid cocaine in patient with known hypersensitivity. It should be given with caution to the elderly, to debilitate, to children, patients with epilepsy, impaired cardiac conduction or respiratory function, shock or liver damage. The application of local anesthetics to the skin for prolonged period or to the extensive area should be avoided. Cocaine should not be applied to damage mucosa. Ophthalmic preparation of cocaine should not be applied to the eyes for prolonged period, because cause the damage of cornea. Patients receiving cocaine for surface anesthesia should be monitored for possible cardiovascular effects. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy.