COCAIN
\kˈɒke͡ɪn], \kˈɒkeɪn], \k_ˈɒ_k_eɪ_n]\
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By James Champlin Fernald
By Willam Alexander Newman Dorland
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An alkaloid, C17H21NO4, extracted from the leaves of Erythroxylon coca or Erythroxylon truxillense, the coca plant. It acts locally on sensory peripheral nerve endings and in toxic doses produces nausea, vomiting, delirium, asphyxia, and fatal collapse. Death results from paralysis of the respiratory centers. Its chief value is as a local anesthetic when applied to mucous surfaces, or injected into the part to be affected, or into the spinal canal. It is used successfully in minor surgical operations. The hydrochlorid is the official salt commonly employed, but the oleate is sometimes used topically.
By Smith Ely Jelliffe
Word of the day
hydromorphic
- [Greek] Structurally adapted to an aquatic environment, as organs of water plants.