Cocaine

Cocaine

Alkaloid derived from Erythroxylon coca plant. Native to South American Andes, India, Africa

Production of cocaine

Coca plant leaves dried

processed into coca paste

converted into cocaine hydrochloride

Forms of cocaine

Powder: Hydrochloride salt: cocaine hydrochloride

Crack: freebase.

• made by mixing aqueous cocaine hydrochloride with baking soda , heating to form solid rocks - often heated and vapours inhaled

Cocaine Metabolites

Benzoylecgonine and ecgonine methyl ester are primary metabolites.

Cocaine Desirable Effects

Euphoria, heightened energy, heightened confidence

Cocaine undesirable effects

paranoia, hallucinations, dysphoria

Can lead to CNS stimulation and respiratory paralysis.

Cocaine Routes of Administration

Includes intranasal, IV, oral, and smoking methods.

Cocaine metabolism and excretion

metabolised in liver

primary metabolite: benzoylecgonine

Metabolite when mixed with alcohol: cocaethylene, toxic metabolite with prolonged effects

Excreted in urine

Half life: 60 mins

Presumptive tests

Immunoassay

TLC

Cobalt Isothiocyanate Test: blue precipitate

Scott test

Confirmatory tests

LCMS, GCMS

Cocaine in Coca-Cola

Original ingredient in Coca-Cola syrup formulation.

Psychotropic Drug

Substance affecting mental state and behavior.