Table of Contents:
[
General /
Adrenergic /
Amphetamine
]
[
Ergogenic /
Hormones /
Steroids
]
[
Over the Counter /
Recreational
]
[ Related / Drugs
Interactive Module ]
[ Alcohol
/ Caffeine / Tobacco
]
[ Cocaine / Marijuana / Heroin
]
Cocaine is an illegal drug and is banned by the
NCAA.
What is the history of cocaine use?
The Indians of Peruvian Andes have used the coca leaf for several
thousand years.
- During the pre-Inca period coca leaf chewing was widespread.
Coca leaf chewing was part of rituals of the priesthood
and nobility and it was believed to be a gift from the Inca
"Sun God."
- By 1550, cocaine became a part of the Old World. Fifteen
years later, the Spanish physician Monardes published the
first scientific research on cocaine
- Cocaine became commercially available in the 1880s
- Friedrich Gaedcke a German chemist isolated cocaine from
the coca leaf in the mid-1800s
- In 1883 the German army physician Ashenbrandt gave cocaine
to Bavarian troops in order to delay the onset of fatigue
- Sigmund Freud used cocaine to treat his own depression
and to cure his psychiatric patients. Freud and the American
surgeon Halsted used cocaine as an anesthetic
- Cocaine was an ingredient of many medicines in the late
19th century
- By the end of 19th century, various tonics, powders and
medicines included cocaine. Cocaine soon became part of
the beverage industry and an ingredient in Coca-Cola. The
Coca Cola company later agreed to use decocainized leaves
in its products
- In 1906 the federal Pure Food and Drug Act regulated the
distribution of cocaine. The Harrison Narcotics Act of 1914
put more restrictions on cocaine
- The Controlled Substance Act of 1970 placed cocaine as
a schedule II drug; cocaine could be used for medical purposes
but possessed high potential for abuse and dependency
- Today, cocaine is a schedule II drug as are morphine,
Dexedrine, PCP and the short acting barbiturates.
What is the chemistry of cocaine?
Cocaine is an alkaloid extracted from the leaf of the coca plant,
Erythroxylon coca. Free base cocaine (benzoyl/methylecgonine
hydrochloride) is produced by the extraction of cocaine hydrochloride
by using a base and a solvent. "Crack" which is the
free-based cocaine is pure cocaine and is made by preparing
an aqueous solution of cocaine hydrochloride and adding ammonia
to alkalinize the solution and precipitate the cocaine in its
alkaloid form. The free-based cocaine and crack are transformed
when heated, and inhaled as smoke.
What is the pharmacology of cocaine?
Cocaine has two main pharmacological actions. This drug is a
strong CNS stimulant and an effective vasoconstrictor when used
as a local anesthetic. "Snorted" cocaine can produce
its maximum CNS effects (in doses of 25 to 100 mg) after 15
to 30 minutes. The effects described by Freud included: euphoria,
a perceived increase in self control, greater work capacity,
perceived long-lasting mental or physical work without fatigue,
perceived ability to forego food and sleep; these effects have
also been referred to as the "perfect illusion." Cocaine
affects the brain by stimulating the release of dopamine and
norepinephrine, while also blocking their reuptake. In this
way, more catecholamines stimulate the brain to the point of
euphoria.
The main effects of intravenous cocaine last about
20 minutes. In the past it was thought that physical dependence
on cocaine was not possible. When cocaine is smoked or injected
very high plasma concentrations of cocaine are achieved leading
to the development of tolerance and physical dependence or addiction
to the drug. Intravenous injection of cocaine effects can be
seen within 30 seconds and wear off within 30 minutes. Abrupt
termination of cocaine use can lead to psychological withdrawal.
How is cocaine metabolized?
Cocaine has a plasma half-life of 90 minutes. Plasma esterase
and liver enzymes metabolize it. Cholinesterase is essential
in the metabolism of cocaine. Individuals with hereditary cholinesterase
deficiency may have fatal reactions to small doses of cocaine.
Less than 20% of cocaine is excreted unchanged by the kidney.
Cocaine is metabolized to benzoylecgonine and ecgonine methyl
ester, which are both excreted in the urine.
What are the medical uses of cocaine?
Cocaine can be used as a local anesthetic. When applied to the
skin, cocaine blocks the conduction of sensory impulses. Cocaine
prolongs its anesthetic action by the constriction of sensory
blood vessels.
How is cocaine processed in the body?
Cocaine can be taken orally, by inhalation/"snorting,"
or by injection. Oral intake of cocaine produces behavioral
changes lasting for up to 1 hour. Is the most popular route
of administration and produces effects from 5 to 15 minutes.
Inhalation of free base cocaine produces effects in less that
one minute. Inhalation produces the most intense cravings.
What are the adverse effects associated with the use
of cocaine?
Cocaine is a highly addictive drug. Individuals who use cocaine
experience psychotic symptoms and euphoria, paranoid psychosis,
delirium and confusion, seizures and strokes caused by rupture
of cerebral vascular vessels.
What are the effects of cocaine on athletic performance?
South American natives used cocaine for centuries to
increase physical endurance and work efficiency. Early studies
showed that cocaine had no positive effect on running times
within a dose range of 0.1-20 mg/kg body weight.
What are the side effects of cocaine use specific to
student athletes and the general population?
Cocaine related deaths from heart failure of Len Bias and Don
Rogers in 1986 increased public attention to the harmful effects
of cocaine use and abuse among athletes and the general population.
Heavy alcohol abuse combined with cocaine increases
cocaine's cardiotoxicity by the production of "cocaethlyene"
as a metabolite. Cardiovascular side effects such as ventricular
arrhythmia, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular
complications such as cerebral infarction; cerebral hemorrhage
can result from cocaine use. Individuals differ in their ability
to metabolize cocaine, and some experience seizures, headaches,
optic neuropathy, insomnia, delirium, confusion, paranoia, hallucinations,
psychosis, anorexia, sexual dysfunction, liver toxicity and
loss of smell.
What are the adverse effects of cocaine use specific
to pregnant women?
Pregnant women who use cocaine may experience:
- disruption of placenta
- spontaneous abortion
- congenital malformations
- placental transfer of cocaine toxicity to unborn fetus.
