Cocaine (On the skin)
koe-KANE
Numbs your mouth, throat, or nose before medical procedures.
Drug classes
Anesthetic, Local (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Cocaine 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 or numbness. This allows certain kinds of procedures or surgery to be done without causing pain.
Cocaine can cause psychological dependence (a strong desire to continue using the medicine because of the “high” feeling it produces). This may lead to cocaine abuse (more frequent use and/or use of larger amounts of cocaine) and to an increased chance of serious side effects. Cocaine abuse has caused 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. Also, some people are especially sensitive to the effects of cocaine. Unwanted effects may occur in these people even with small amounts of the medicine. Before receiving cocaine as a local anesthetic, you should discuss its use with your doctor.
Cocaine is applied only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Liquid
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use this medicine if you had an allergic reaction to cocaine.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you are allergic to other medicines.
Tell your doctor if you have any irritation in your mouth, throat, or nose, or if you have any disease or illness.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blurred vision
Feeling nervous, restless, agitated, or anxious
Fever, chills
Extreme weakness
Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain
Slow or fast heartbeat
Slow or shallow breathing
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug