why was cocaine used medicinally in the past and why did it stopped being used?
In: Biology
I work in an Acute care pharmacy (Inpatient Hospital Pharmacy). While not everyday, Cocaine is used regularly in the O.R. I’m no authority, but I’ve been told it is one of the most effective anesthetics. There are a limited, but not uncommon uses for it. Cocaine is a D.E.A. schedule II, not illegal, but highly restricted and controlled. Similar to morphine, oxycodone, Adderall, etc.
It’s a local anesthetic, which means it blocks nerve receptors and basically prevents you from feeling pain in the small areas it is applied to.
I’d imagine it fell out of favor due to negative views surrounding its use and the development of other, more suitable alternatives (but I’m not a doctor).
It is still approved for medical use and is typically used for nose/mouth surgeries due to its absorption and affect on tissue/membranes in those areas.
My mom’s a paramedic and says they still use it and squirt it up noses for stuff but its I’m such a small dose it doesn’t get you high
Latest Answers