Foreword

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As the only naturally occurring anesthetic agent, cocaine has a long history of therapeutic use as a topical anesthetic. Its potent vasoconstrictive effect is viewed as an additional benefit when used on mucous membranes in the field of otorhinolaryngology.

However, it is as a recreational illicit drug in its various forms that cocaine has achieved significant notoriety. The multitude of multisystem effects makes this drug a complicated (an often convoluted) agent to devise a unified therapeutic regimen.

Dr. Rachel Goldstein and colleagues give a comprehensive overview of the history, pharmacology, and treatment of cocaine. I believe that this will be a vital reference for any primary care practitioner for years to come.