Cocaine - KOE-kane is a local anesthetic. It is applied to certain areas of the body - for example, the nose, mouth, or throat to cause loss of feeling. This allows some kinds of examinations or surgery to be done without causing pain.
Cocaine can cause psychological dependence - a strong desire to continue using the drug because of the ``high'" feeling it produces. This may lead to cocaine abuse - more frequent use anduse of larger amounts of cocaine and to an increased risk of serious side effects. Cocaine abuse has causing death from heart or breathing failure.
Use of cocaine as a local anesthetic for an examination or surgery is not likely to cause psychological dependence or other serious side effects. However, if cocaine is absorbed into the body too quickly, serious side effects can occur. Always some people are especially sensitive to the effects of cocaine. Unwanted effects may occur in these people even with small amounts of the drug. Before receiving cocaine as a local anesthetic, you must discuss its use with your family doctor.
Cocaine is applied only by or under the immediate supervision of your family doctor. It is available in the following dosage forms: