COCAINE - FRIEND OR FOE .1.

The history of cocaine use goes back a long time. Initially, cocaine w as used as a medicine by physicians and as a pleasure agent in over-th e-counter preparations. The significance and intensity of cocaine use and abuse became well known soon thereafter and resulted in extensive regulations to curb its use. Cocaine is a powerful anesthetic agent wi th powerful vasoconstritive properties. It can be absorbed from all mu cous membrane sites and results in severe cardiovascular complications . The effects of cocaine on various organ systems are presented here.