Cocaine

Category: alkaloid

Aliases: coke, crack, benzoylmethylecgonine

Pharmacological Mechanism

Tropane alkaloid from coca; blocks the dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin transporters (DAT/NET/SERT), raising synaptic monoamines for a short, intense euphoric stimulation. Also a local anesthetic via voltage-gated sodium-channel blockade plus vasoconstriction. Short half-life drives compulsive redosing; cardiovascular toxicity (arrhythmia, MI, stroke).

Dosing Guidelines

Target Organ Systems