Local Anesthetic Action of Cocaine

The local anesthetic actions of cocaine are independent of its well-known actions on monoamines. Rather, the local anesthetic effects occur as a consequence of its interaction with voltage-gated Na-i-channels (Matthews and Collins 1983). Cocaine s cerebral vasoconstrictor effects occur through local anesthetic rather than sympathomimetic mechanisms (Albuquerque and Kurth 1993). 

Therapeutic uses Cocaine has a local anesthetic action that represents the only current rationale for the therapeutic use of cocaine-, cocaine is applied topically as a local anesthetic during eye, ear, nose, and throat surgery. While the local anesthetic action of cocaine is due to a block of voltage-activated sodium channels, an interaction with potassium channels may contribute to cocaine s ability to cause cardiac arrhythmias. [Note Cocaine is the only local anesthetic that causes vasoconstriction. This effect is responsible for the necrosis and perforation of the nasal septum seen in association with chronic inhalation of cocaine powder.]... 

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