Target intelligence / Profile preview

Cocaine

Molecular classification: Tropane alkaloid, Central nervous system stimulant

Overview

Cocaine is a tropane alkaloid and a powerful central nervous system (CNS) stimulant derived from the leaves of the coca plant. It primarily acts by inhibiting the reuptake of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine in the brain, leading to intense euphoria and a high potential for addiction. It has rare medical use as a local anesthetic.

Other names: BlowCocaCokeCrackCrankFlakeRockSnow

Mechanism of action

Cocaine acts by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, increasing their levels in the synaptic cleft. This leads to heightened activation of post-synaptic receptors, contributing to euphoria, alertness, and increased heart rate.

Biological functions

Inhibition of neurotransmitter reuptakeCNS stimulationVasoconstrictionLocal anesthesia

Disease associations

AddictionCardiovascular disease (ischemic heart conditions, cardiac arrest, stroke)NeurotoxicityPsychosisHyperthermia

Safety considerations

High addiction potentialOverdose leading to seizures, cardiac arrest, stroke, hyperthermia, coma, or deathCardiovascular complications (increased heart rate, blood pressure, vasoconstriction)Neuropsychiatric effects (anxiety, paranoia, psychosis)Nasal tissue erosion (with snorting)Cognitive impairmentRisk-taking behaviorsWithdrawal symptoms (depression, cravings)

Interacting drugs

Dopamine

2 more in the full profile.

Beyond the preview

Go deeper on Cocaine.

Explore the evidence, development activity, and competitive landscape with Gosset’s full data platform.

Drug pipeline

Explore the programs pursuing this target and their development progress.

Drug candidates
Developers
Development stage

Clinical trials

Follow the clinical studies evaluating therapies directed at this target.

Trial design
Status
Readouts

Competitive landscape

Compare approaches across drug candidates, modalities, and indications.

Programs
Modalities
Indications

Literature & evidence

Investigate the research and source evidence behind target biology and development.

Publications
Sources
Analysis

Patents

Explore patent activity around therapies and technologies addressing this target.

Patents
Assignees
Technologies

Research & analysis

Connect target biology, drug development, and emerging evidence in your research.

Biology
Development news
Analysis

Bring the full picture into focus.

See how Gosset can support your research on Cocaine.

Explore the full profile