When we think of cocaine, we all think of an illegal, dangerous drug. There is some truth to that story. But did you know that in medicine, under very controlled conditions, it is also used as a drug? It is actually used in very specific cases, as a topical solution or spray that causes numbness. Let's talk about this exactly, simply, today.
What is this medically used cocaine?
Simply put, cocaine used in medicine is a local anesthetic . That is, a drug that is used to temporarily numb only a specific area of the body. This is not like an anesthetic that is injected into the body. It is a liquid or spray that is applied to the surface of areas such as the mouth, throat, or nose.
The main function of this is to temporarily deactivate the nerves in that area and stop the feeling of pain. Imagine that you need to do a small operation or test inside the nose. Then, if that area is not numbed, it will be very painful. That is when doctors use this cocaine solution. It not only numbs the area, but also constricts the blood vessels in that area and reduces bleeding. This makes it much easier for ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctors to perform their tests and minor surgeries.
The most important thing is that this is not a medicine that can be bought over the counter or used at home. It is only used in a hospital or clinic, under the full supervision of a doctor.
Things your doctor needs to know before giving you this medicine
Because this is a powerful medication, your doctor should be aware of your complete health history before prescribing it to you. This medication may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions. It is especially important to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Heart disease: If you have any heart disease, high blood pressure, or an irregular heartbeat.
- Drug or alcohol addiction: If you have ever had a drug or alcohol addiction or are currently struggling with it, be open about it.
- Seizures: If you have had seizures before.
- Allergies: If you have allergies to cocaine or other anesthetics (e.g. lidocaine), other medications, or foods.
- Skin infections: If there is any infection or wound on the skin where the medicine is to be applied.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: It is imperative that you inform your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
How to use this medicine and emergency situations
As mentioned earlier, this is not a medicine you can take home. It can only be given to you by a doctor or a trained health professional in a hospital or clinic . It is usually applied to the affected area, either by dipping a cotton ball in it or as a spray.
Do you use it for children?
If you are giving this medicine to young children, you should talk to a pediatrician about it. Although it can be used in children in some special cases, it should be done with great caution and under close supervision.
What if the dose increases (overdose)?
Since this is given under medical supervision, the chances of overdose are very low. However, if you suspect that something like this has happened, it is an emergency. You should immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
Some medications can affect each other when taken together. This is called a drug interaction. Cocaine is one such drug that can interact with other medications. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
- Birth control pills
- Disulfiram - (a drug used to stop alcohol use)
- Adrenaline or epinephrine
- MAOI-type antidepressants (MAOIs - e.g. Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan)
- Phenylephrine - (contains some cold medicines)
- Steroid medicines - for example, prednisone.
This list is not exhaustive. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements), and whether you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs.
Side effects that may occur due to this medicine
Like any medicine, some people can experience side effects from using cocaine local anesthetics. Some of these are serious, while others are common. It's important to be aware of these.
| Possible side effects of cocaine use | |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor or medical staff immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing or feeling short of breath |
| Heartbeat | Irregular heartbeat, rapid heartbeat, chest pain (palpitations) |
| Mental state | Confusion, restlessness, excessive agitation |
| Other serious symptoms | Seizures, fever, nausea, vomiting, unusual bleeding from the eyes, gums, or nose, extreme tiredness |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | Some degree of headache |
| Taste in the mouth | Feeling a change in taste in the mouth |
| Mental nature | A feeling of some anxiety, fear |
Take-Home Message
- Understand that cocaine is both an illegal drug and a local anesthetic used under controlled conditions in medicine.
- This is used to numb the throat, ear, and nose areas, especially during medical examinations or minor surgeries.
- This medicine is only given by a doctor or trained health professional in a hospital or clinic. It will not be given to you to take home.
- Be sure to inform your doctor about any other medical conditions you have (especially heart disease, seizures, drug addiction) and all other medications you are taking.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, or chest tightness, notify the medical staff immediately.
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