Cocaine

Question 1

Where does cocaine come from

Answer 1

Erythroxylon coca plant

Question 2

How is it extracted

Answer 2

• leaves are stripped from the plant and crushed
  -mixed with solvent that extracts cocaine
• waxy liquid contains un purified alkaloids
• heated and cool to separate the unwanted wax

Question 3

How is it purified / how do you make crack?

Answer 3

-isolation of cocaine alkaloids using acid and base
-alkaloid is the crystal used using kerosene
- kerosene is evaporated
- crystals left are dissolved in methyl alcohol
- then recrystallised and dissolved in sulfuric acid

Question 4

What happens when alcohol interacts with cocaine

Answer 4

Cocaethylene is produced
- toxic effect
- increase dual and drug dependency
- euphoric effect lasts longer
- can result in death

Question 5

What are the pharmacokinetics of cocaine

Answer 5

A-
•vasoconstrictor
•Nasal method is siculy absoned so
prolonged euphorie effect
• methods last 30min- 60 min

DISTRIBUTION
• penetrases brain quickly
. brain conc. far exceed plasma level
• freely cosses the placenta

O MetabolismI EXCRETION
- slowly removed from bain
- metaborised by liver + plasma
- benzoylecognine = major metabolite

Question 6

How can freebase cocaine ( crack) be water soluble

Answer 6

• oxidised with hydrochloride
• further washing and oxidation and seoeration
• results in a white odourless colour

Question 7

Name some medical complications of cocaine

Answer 7

Cardiovascular
Respiratory failure
Seizures

Question 8

What are the signs of intoxication

Answer 8

-dilated pupils
- hypertension
- dry mouth
- tachycardia
- dizziness
- muscle spasms

Question 9

What is the effect of short term use

Answer 9

• state of anxiety
• shifts blood flow to the muscle
• hyperactivity
• giddiness
• 60-90 mins
• appetite suppression

Question 10

What are the effects of long term and high dose

Answer 10

• Anxiety
• sleep deprivation
• paranoia
• hyper vigilance
• toxic paranoid psychosis

Question 11

What are the complications with cocaine and pregnancy

Answer 11

-Decreased oxygen due to vasoconstriction
- ADHD
- still births
- placental detachment
- neonatal neurological
-

Question 12

What is the treatment of cocaine

Answer 12

• no successful pharma treatment
• anti withdrawal agents
• anti craving agents
• counselling
• psychological strategies

Question 13

What are the struggles with treatment

Answer 13

• most addicts have co existing disorders
• prononouced tendency toward release
• intensity of drug effect