Definition: An alkaloid ester extracted from the leaves of plants including coca. It is a local anesthetic and vasoconstrictor and is clinically used for that purpose, particularly in the eye, ear, nose, and throat. It also has powerful central nervous system effects similar to the amphetamines and is a drug of abuse. Cocaine, like amphetamines, acts by multiple mechanisms on brain catecholaminergic neurons; the mechanism of its reinforcing effects is thought to involve inhibition of dopamine uptake.
cocaine derivatives
Other names Hydrochloride, Cocaine; HCl, Cocaine; Cocaine Hydrochloride; Cocaine HCl
cocaethylene [ benzoylecgonine ethyl ester,coca-ethylene,ethylcocaine ] RN given refers to (1R-(exo,exo))-isomer; cocaine metabolite; as potent as cocaine in blocking uptake of the neurotransmitter dopamine synapses
