Brand & Generic Names

COCAINE

Basic Information

• Habit forming? Yes
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? Yes
• Drug class: Anesthetic (local)

Uses

Provides local anesthesia to the nose, mouth or throat to allow some types of surgery or examinations without pain.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to use:
Used only under doctor's supervision, it's applied by spray or cotton swab directly to the area being anesthetized.

When to use:
Immediately before special examinations or surgery.

If you forget a dose:
Not applicable.

What drug does:
Blocks conduction of nerve impulses to brain.
Reduces swelling, bleeding and congestion at operation site.

Time lapse before drug works:
Immediate.

Don't use with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Abdominal pain, chills, confusion, lightheadedness, dizziness, severe nervousness or restlessness, fast or irregular heartbeat, severe headache, sweating, twitching, dilated pupils, bulging eyes.

WHAT TO DO:

• Tell your doctor immediately if any of the above occurs after cocaine has been applied.
• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

Blue discoloration Seek emergency of skin, lips, nails; treatment immediately. irregular, weak heartbeat; chest pain; seizure; loss of bowel and bladder control.

Common:

Abdominal pain, dizziness, confusion, agitation, irritability, hallucinations, fast or irregular heartbeat, headache, euphoria, psychotic behavior, trembling, large pupils, chills and fever, twitching, stuffy nose.

Infrequent:

Loss of taste or smell after application to nose or mouth.

Rare:

Death.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:
You are allergic to cocaine.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you are allergic to anything.
• If you are taking any other medicine.
• If you have any acute illness or history of cancer, convulsions, irregular heartbeat, heart disease, blood vessel disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, heart attack history, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland).
• If you have recently used an insecticide.
• If you have had glaucoma or are using eye drops for glaucoma (such as Betoptic, Betagan, Timoptic).
• If you have a throat infection.

Over age 60:
More sensitive to drug. May cause impaired thinking, hallucinations, nightmares. Consult doctor about any of these.

Pregnancy:
Risk to unborn child outweighs any possible drug benefits. Don't use.

Breast-feeding:
Risk outweighs any possible drug benefits. Don't use.

Infants & children:
Not recommended for children 6 and younger. Use for older children only under doctor's supervision.

Prolonged use:
Addiction.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft for 24 hours after cocaine has been used for local anesthesia. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes, such as antihistamines, tranquilizers, sedatives, pain medicine, narcotics and mind-altering drugs.

Discontinuing:
No problems expected.

Others:

• In some people, even small amounts of cocaine can cause serious adverse reactions.

Cocaine is used only under the direct supervision of your doctor.