COCA Overview Information
Coca is a plant. It is the source of cocaine, which is an illegal drug that is used nasally, injected, or smoked for mind-altering effects. Cocaine is also an FDA-approved Schedule C-II drug. This means cocaine can be prescribed by a healthcare provider, but the process is strictly regulated. The worry about cocaine is that it is unsafe and highly addictive.
Despite safety concerns and illegality, the coca leaf is used to make medicine.
People chew coca leaves to relieve hunger and fatigue and to enhance physical performance.
Coca extracts are used for stimulating stomach function, causing sedation, and treating asthma, colds, and other ailments.
Coca tea is used for altitude sickness in the Peruvian Andes and elsewhere.
A form of cocaine that can be applied to the skin is available by prescription. It is used to numb eye, nose, and throat pain; and to narrow blood vessels.
In manufacturing, coca extract with the cocaine removed is used to flavor cola drinks and food products.
How does it work?
The cocaine found in coca can cause an increase in brain activity and have numbing (anesthetic) effects. Cocaine is highly addictive.
COCA Uses & Effectiveness 
Likely Ineffective for:
Insufficient Evidence for:
- Stimulation of stomach function.
- Asthma.
- Colds.
- Altitude sickness.
- Other conditions.
COCA Side Effects & Safety
Coca leaf without the cocaine (decocainized) is safe for most people when used in normal food amounts. The cocaine contained in the coca leaf is safe for use on the eye or skin when prescribed and monitored by a medical professional.
Cocaine is UNSAFE and illegal for either medicinal or recreational self-use. Cocaine can cause hyperactivity, restlessness, excitement, migraineheadaches, seizures, strokes, heart attacks, aneurysms, high blood pressure, and liver and kidney failure.
As little as 1/4 of a teaspoon of cocaine can be deadly. Cocaine is highly addictive.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
It is UNSAFE for anyone to use coca, but people with the following conditions have even more reasons not to use it:Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It’s UNSAFE to inhale coca or take it by mouth if you are pregnant. The cocaine in coca might cause a miscarriage or birth defects. Coca use is also associated with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
It’s also UNSAFE to inhale coca or take it by mouth if you are breast-feeding. Cocaine is excreted into breast milk, and harmful effects can occur in infants breast-fed by mothers who were recently exposed to cocaine.
Asthma: The cocaine in coca can make asthma worse. Don’t use it.
Heart disease: The cocaine in coca can make heart disease worse. Don’t use it.
History of stroke or at risk for stroke: If you have a history of stroke or are at high risk for having a stroke, do not use coca. The cocaine in coca increases the chance of dying from a broken blood vessel in the brain.
A condition called plasma pseudocholinesterase deficiency (PPD): People with PPD are more likely than others to have seizures and/or die after using cocaine.
COCA Interactions
Major Interaction Do not take this combination
- Alcohol interacts with COCA
Coca contains cocaine. Cocaine can affect your thinking. Alcohol can also affect your thinking. Do not take coca if you have been drinking alcohol.
- Nifedipine interacts with COCA
Coca contains cocaine. Taking cocaine with nifedipine increases the risk of serious side effects such as seizure.
COCA Dosing
The appropriate dose of coca depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for coca. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
