kiranmayi
Forum Guru
Topics: 237
Posts: 407
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what is the mechanism of action of cocaine?
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| dxtxpx
Forum Guru
Topics: 259
Posts: 1,233
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Cocaine produces anesthesia by inhibiting excitation of nerve endings or by blocking conduction in peripheral nerves. This is achieved by reversibly binding to and inactivating sodium channels. Sodium influx through these channels is necessary for the depolarization of nerve cell membranes and subsequent propagation of impulses along the course of the nerve. When a nerve loses its ability to propagate an impulse, the individual loses sensation in the area supplied by the nerve.
Cocaine also has a profound effect on the CNS. Cocaine blocks reuptake of dopamine in the midbrain region responsible for reward mediation. This leads to increased stimulation and a sense of euphoria and arousal. As the cocaine level decreases, so does the dopamine level in this region, resulting in depression and a craving for the drug.
Cocaine also blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine in the sympathetic portion of the autonomic nervous system, resulting in increased stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. This results in the characteristic tachycardia, hypertension, diaphoresis, mydriasis, and tremors associated with cocaine use.
Cocaine is the only local anesthetic with vasonstrictive properties. This is a result of its blockade of norepinephrine reuptake in the autonomic nervous system.
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| usmleasr
Forum Guru
Topics: 105
Posts: 970
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what r cocaine bugs?? :|
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| asmi
Forum Hero
Topics: 1043
Posts: 4,609
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its a tactile hallucination.Pt feels as if bugs are crawling on his skin
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| asmi
Forum Hero
Topics: 1043
Posts: 4,609
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cocaine abuse:
*Brand name: crack /freebase
*CF: delusions+ hallucinations(tactile) + dilated pupils.
*common abuse in students and musicians, age 18 to 25 yrs(commonly)
*bezoylecgonine( metabolite) can be detected in urine and blood .
* Tx : antipychotics / benzodiazepines/bromocriptine
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| mjl1717
Forum Hero
Topics: 958
Posts: 5,465
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Just want to clear this" crack /freebase is a street name or slang for the alkaloid form of cocaine that is vaporized:
Also Id treat more conservativly with quiet room rest and reassurance,
consider dextrose/naloxone/thiamine.
and maybe beta blockers for ongoing hypertension:
___________________
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| asmi
Forum Hero
Topics: 1043
Posts: 4,609
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yes its street name. 8)
thanks mjl
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