cocaïnin

Cocaïnin, commonly referred to in English as cocaine, is a tropane alkaloid derived from the leaves of the coca plant (Erythroxylum coca). It exists mainly as cocaine hydrochloride, a water-soluble salt suitable for insufflation or injection, and as a base form used to produce crack or freebase cocaine, which is typically heated and inhaled. Cocaïne has a long history of medical use as a local anesthetic, particularly in eye, ear, and throat procedures, but its medical use has diminished due to high potential for abuse and toxicity.

The chemical name is benzoylmethylecgonine, and the drug acts primarily by blocking the reuptake of monoamine neurotransmitters—dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin—in the brain. This increases their synaptic concentrations, producing rapid feelings of euphoria, increased energy, and heightened alertness. The onset and duration of effects depend on the route of administration: smoking or inhalation yields rapid, intense effects that last minutes to about an hour, while snorting produces a slower onset with effects lasting up to a couple of hours. Cocaïne is rapidly metabolized in the body to metabolites such as benzoylecgonine and ecgonine methyl ester.

Risks associated with cocaine use include cardiovascular problems (hypertension, tachycardia, arrhythmias), neurological events (stroke, seizures), and psychiatric effects (anxiety, paranoia). It has a high potential for dependence and can lead to withdrawal symptoms upon cessation. There is no widely approved pharmacologic treatment for cocaine use disorder; management typically emphasizes psychosocial interventions and support, with harm reduction strategies for those who continue to use.

Legally, cocaine is a controlled substance in most countries, often classified as a Schedule II drug in the United States, reflecting its restricted medical use alongside a high abuse potential.