Healthcare professionals may use topical cocaine in medical settings for its numbing and vasoconstricting (blood vessel-constricting) properties.

While people may often associate cocaine with illegal drug use, cocaine does have legitimate medical applications, particularly in medical procedures involving the nasal passages.

In ear, nose, and throat (ENT) medicine, healthcare professionals may use cocaine as a topical agent for its anesthetic and vasoconstrictive effects, helping in nasal surgeries, diagnostic procedures, and managing conditions such as epistaxis (nosebleeds).

Still, it’s important to note that trained professionals strictly regulate the use and provision of cocaine in medical settings to minimize potential risks.

Cocaine hydrochloride, or “medical cocaine,” has limited medical uses due to its high potential for misuse and addiction. But it does have some specific medical applications.

These include:

  • Local anesthetic: Cocaine hydrochloride topical solution contains 4% cocaine. Healthcare professionals can use it as a local anesthetic for certain surgical procedures. Due to its numbing properties, it can be particularly effective for procedures involving the nose, throat, and upper airways.
  • Vasoconstrictor: Cocaine hydrochloride acts as a vasoconstrictor, meaning it narrows blood vessels. Healthcare professionals can use it in certain medical procedures to manage bleeding by reducing blood flow to the site.
  • Diagnostic aid: Healthcare professionals have historically used cocaine hydrochloride as a diagnostic tool for specific medical conditions. For instance, they can apply it topically to the nasal passages to aid in diagnosing and treating certain bleeding disorders. Constricting blood vessels can help them reduce blood flow and identify the source of the bleeding.

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery recognizes cocaine as a valuable anesthetic and vasoconstriction agent when provided by physicians as part of an individual’s treatment.

The organization’s position statement reported that no other single drug can replicate the anesthetic and vasoconstricting properties found in cocaine.

A 2015 research review found that cocaine was the most commonly used agent by ear, nose, and throat doctors to prepare for medical interventions regarding the nasal passages.

Some possible side effects of medical cocaine use may include:

  • Local anesthetic effects: This can involve a temporary numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation at the application site.
  • Vasoconstriction effects: Constriction of blood vessels may cause reduced blood flow, leading to skin blanching, coolness at the application site, or potentially impaired wound healing.
  • Cardiovascular effects: The body can absorb cocaine systemically, which can affect the cardiovascular system. This can result in increased heart rate, blood pressure, and myocardial contractility (affecting the heart’s ability to contract), which may lead to higher demand for oxygen by the heart.
  • Receptor effects: Cocaine interacts with various receptor types, including muscarinic acetylcholine, N-methyl-D-aspartate, sigma, and kappa-opioid receptors, contributing to its complex toxicity.
  • Allergic reactions: Although rare, some people may experience allergic reactions to cocaine hydrochloride, which can manifest as skin rashes, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

When people receive topical cocaine, monitoring cardiac activity is crucial. This helps identify potential irregularities in heart rhythm and ensures their safety during the procedure. Regular vital sign checks are also necessary to detect cocaine-induced high blood pressure and rapid heart rate.

Healthcare professionals must use the lowest effective anesthetic dosage to minimize the risk of adverse effects, as higher levels of absorption through the mucous membranes can lead to high cocaine levels in the bloodstream.

The cost of cocaine hydrochloride in a medical setting can depend on various factors, including the specific procedure, dosage, and geographic location.

But it’s important to note that trained professionals highly regulate and restrict cocaine hydrochloride use in medical settings to specific applications, such as vasoconstriction or local anesthetic use. Due to the regulated nature of its use and potential for misuse, it’s not typically available for general use or prescription.

As for insurance coverage, it’s important to consult with your insurance provider to determine whether they cover the specific medical procedure that may use cocaine hydrochloride. Insurance coverage depends on the type of insurance plan, local regulations, and the specific medical indication.

Cocaine has a long history of medical use as a local anesthetic, and the Incan Empire of Peru initially recognized it for its properties. Its medical value became widely recognized when Austrian ophthalmologist Carl Koller used it to anesthetize the cornea.

It gained popularity in Europe and North America as a remedy for various ailments but later faced social misuse and crime concerns. Consequently, experts classified it as a narcotic, and its use became restricted to specific medical procedures.

Currently, cocaine and its derivatives remain used as local anesthetics for ear, nose, and throat surgeries and pain management in terminal diseases.

Medical cocaine, despite its association with illegal use, has demonstrated important therapeutic applications in specific medical situations. Its anesthetic and vasoconstrictive properties make it valuable in nose procedures, particularly in ENT medicine.

However, trained professionals strictly regulate the use of cocaine in medical settings, and its potential for systemic absorption and adverse effects necessitates careful monitoring and following appropriate dosages.