cocaine hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Topical local anaesthetic and vasoconstrictor
Usual role
Numbs accessible mucous membranes and helps limit bleeding before surgery
Administration
Applied topically by a suitably skilled clinician; it must not be injected or taken by mouth
Driving
Do not drive or operate machinery until the clinical team confirms it is safe
What is cocaine hydrochloride used for?
The selected UK product is licensed for use before surgery on accessible mucous membranes.
Local anaesthesia of mucous membranes, especially within the oral, laryngeal and nasal cavities
Vasoconstriction to reduce bleeding and improve visibility of the operative field
How does cocaine hydrochloride work?
It blocks sodium movement through nerve-cell membranes, preventing pain signals. It also blocks noradrenaline reuptake, narrowing local blood vessels. This reduces blood flow but contributes to important cardiovascular risks.
How to take cocaine hydrochloride
This product is applied topically by a trained clinician and is not for self-administration. It is sprayed directly onto the mucous membrane requiring anaesthesia and must not be injected or deliberately swallowed. The selected preparation is preservative-free and intended for one patient and one procedure only.
Tell the clinical team about all prescribed, non-prescribed and recreational substances before treatment.
Tell staff if the treatment area is inflamed, damaged or has an open wound.
Follow the clinical team's advice about driving and activities after the procedure.
cocaine hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Frequency not stated: restlessness, excitement or unusually elevated mood
- Headache, sweating, shaking or enlarged pupils
- Reduced appetite or disturbed sleep
- Raised blood pressure, faster breathing or increased body temperature
Get urgent medical advice
- Chest pain, severe palpitations or an abnormal heart rhythm
- Seizure, marked confusion, paranoia, hallucinations or loss of consciousness
- Severe hypertension, very high temperature or signs of reduced blood supply to tissues
- Respiratory depression, breathing arrest or cardiovascular collapse
cocaine hydrochloride in pregnancy
The selected product is not recommended during pregnancy. Cocaine crosses the placenta, and its vasoconstrictor effects may reduce placental blood flow. Tell the clinical team about pregnancy before the procedure so alternatives can be assessed and specialist advice sought where needed.
cocaine hydrochloride while breastfeeding
The selected product is not recommended during breastfeeding, and cocaine is excreted into breast milk. Tell the clinical team before treatment so an alternative or specialist assessment can be considered.
cocaine hydrochloride interactions
Clinicians should review all medicines and substances before administration because several combinations can increase cardiovascular, neurological or respiratory toxicity.
Cholinesterase inhibitors, including neostigmine or ecothiopate
May reduce cocaine metabolism, increasing blood concentrations and toxicity risk.
Adrenaline and other sympathomimetics, including ephedrine and amphetamines
Can intensify catecholamine effects and increase the risk of severe hypertension or arrhythmia.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, including phenelzine or isocarboxazid
Cocaine may potentiate their effects and toxicity.
Common questions about cocaine hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why is it used during nose or throat surgery?
It combines surface anaesthesia with local vasoconstriction, helping numb the mucosa, reduce bleeding and improve the operative view.
Is it swallowed or injected?
No. The selected product is applied topically to accessible mucous membranes and must not be injected or deliberately taken by mouth.
Who gives it?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.