What is cocaine hydrochloride-topical, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Cocaine is a naturally occurring chemical found in
the leaves of Erythroxylum coca or coca plant, which is native to South America.
Coca leaves have been used and abused for hundreds of years. Cocaine is a highly
addictive stimulant drug that directly affects the nervous system, including the
brain. Effects of cocaine include short-term euphoria, energy, talkativeness,
and it may cause dangerous increases in heart rate and blood pressure.
Cocaine acts as a local anesthetic by blocking conduction of nerve impulses.
Topical preparations of cocaine hydrochloride are applied to the lining of the
mouth, nose, and throat prior to certain surgical procedures as a local
anesthetic to numb the area. Numbing the surrounding area(s) allows certain
types of surgical procedures without causing pain or discomfort to the patient.
Although cocaine works very well to provide local aesthetic effects, the risk
for abuse and severe local vasoconstriction (narrowing of the blood vessels)
prevents its widespread clinical use. Cocaine is a schedule II controlled
substance, which means that it has a high potential for abuse. However, cocaine
can be prescribed by a doctor to be used as a local anesthetic in certain cases
of eye, ear, or throat surgeries.
What brand names are available for cocaine hydrochloride-topical?
N/A
Is cocaine hydrochloride-topical available as a generic drug?
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
Do I need a prescription for cocaine hydrochloride-topical?
Yes
What are the side effects of cocaine hydrochloride-topical?
Common side effects of cocaine include:
Serious side effects may include:
- fever,
- mood changes,
- seizures,
- breathing
difficulties, - vomiting, and
- prolonged numbness around the area of application.
What is the dosage for cocaine hydrochloride-topical?
- The dose should not exceed 1 mg/kg. Dosing of cocaine is variable and
is based on numerous factors including the area to be anesthetized, individual
patient tolerance, vascularity of the tissue, and anesthetic technique. - The
lowest possible dose should be utilized to achieve effective anesthesia. - Dose
reductions should be utilized in children, the elderly, and debilitated
patients. - Cocaine hydrochloride can be administered by means of cotton
applicators, packs, sprays, or instilled into a cavity.
Which drugs or supplements interact with cocaine hydrochloride-topical?
Due to the risk for serious cardiac arrhythmias, severely elevated blood pressure, and additional stimulation of the brain, ergot alkaloids (for example, ergotamine), monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs (for example, iproniazid), and other sympathomimetics should not be combined with cocaine hydrochloride.
Is cocaine hydrochloride-topical safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Cocaine hydrochloride should only be given to pregnant women if
clearly needed. Cocaine is classified as FDA pregnancy risk category C (adverse
effects in animals but insufficient human data).
Cocaine is excreted in breast milk and may cause adverse
effects in the nursing infant. The American Association of Pediatrics recommends
against the use of cocaine during breastfeeding. Due to the potential for
serious side effects in the nursing infant, it is recommended that nursing be
discontinued during cocaine use.
What else should I know about cocaine hydrochloride-topical?
What preparations of cocaine hydrochloride-topical are available?
Topical solution: 4 % and 10%
How should I keep cocaine hydrochloride-topical stored?
Cocaine hydrochloride should be stored at 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77
F).