Drug Reference

Cocaine

Esters of benzoic acid

← All medicines · Esters of benzoic acid

Rx onlyControlled · Schedule II

Fact box

Therapeutic class
Esters of benzoic acid
Habit forming
Yes — Schedule II
Availability
Prescription (Rx)

Brand names

GopreltoNumbrino

Available as

40 MG/ML · Ophthalmic Solution50 MG/ML · Ophthalmic Solution200 MG/ML · Ophthalmic Solution100 MG/ML · Nasal Solution0.1 MG/MG40 MG/ML · Topical Solution40 MG/ML · Nasal Solution20 MG/ML · Ophthalmic Solution

FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.

⚠ Boxed warning
WARNING: ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE CNS stimulants, including cocaine hydrochloride, have a high potential for abuse and dependence [see Warning and Precautions (5.1) . ] WARNING: ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. CNS stimulants, including cocaine hydrochloride, have a high potential for abuse and dependence. (5.1)
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE GOPRELTO (cocaine hydrochloride) nasal solution is indicated for the induction of local anesthesia of the mucous membranes when performing diagnostic procedures and surgeries on or through the nasal cavities in adults. GOPRELTO (cocaine hydrochloride) nasal solution is an ester local anesthetic indicated for the induction of local anesthesia of the mucous membranes when performing diagnostic procedures and surgeries on or through the nasal cavities in adults. ( 1 )
How it works
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action Cocaine hydrochloride is a local anesthetic of the ester type. Cocaine hydrochloride prevents conduction in nerve fibers by reversibly blocking sodium channels and preventing the transient rise in sodium conductance necessary for generation of an action potential. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics Cardiac Electrophysiology The effect of GOPRELTO (cocaine hydrochloride) nasal solution on the QTc interval was evaluated in a randomized, positive- and placebo-controlled four-period crossover thorough QTc study in 24 healthy subjects. No clinically relevant QTc prolongation was observed at the highest clinically relevant concentrations with a single therapeutic dose. 12.3 Pharmacokinetics Absorption The pharmacokinetics of GOPRELTO (cocaine hydrochloride) nasal solution have been assessed in 74 healthy adult subjects across 4 studies. Following intranasal application of two 40 mg pledgets applied to each nasal cavity (160 mg cocaine hydrochloride total dose) for 20 minutes, the geometric mean (SD) cocaine C max was 43.2 (1.73) ng/mL. The median (range) time to peak plasma concentration (t max ) was 0.42 (0.25 – 1.75) hours after pledget application. Distribution Cocaine has been described in literature as approximately 84 – 92% bound to human plasma proteins, binding primarily to alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AAG) and albumin. In studies with GOPRELTO, the apparent volume of distribution (Vd/F) of cocaine after intranasal administration is 3,877 ± 1,266 L. Elimination Metabolism Cocaine has been described in literature to be primarily metabolized and inactivated by nonenzymatic ester hydrolysis and hepatic carboxylesterase 1 to form benzoylecgonine (BE), and by plasma cholinesterase and hepatic carboxylesterase 2 to form ecgonine methyl ester (EME). In human liver microsomes, cocaine undergoes CYP3A4 mediated N-demethylation to produce a minor metabolite, norcocaine, which is pharmacologically active. Excretion Cocaine has been described in literature to be primarily eliminated by biotransformation to inactive metabolites, BE and EME. Less than 10% of the administered dose is excreted unchanged in the urine. BE and EME are both predominantly excreted by the kidneys. In studies with GOPRELTO, 0-32 hour urinary recoveries of cocaine, BE, and EME as a percentage of dose were approximately 0.1%, 2.0%, and 1.0%, respectively. The mean elimination half-life of cocaine was 1.0 to 1.7 hours; with longer plasma sampling (32 hours) and a highly sensitive assay, mean half-life values of 5.0 to 8.0 hours were observed at very low plasma concentrations. The apparent clearance of cocaine after intranasal administration of GOPRELTO (CL/F) is 3096 ± 1276 L/h. Specific Populations In studies with GOPRELTO, cocaine exposure (i.e., C max , AUC last , and AUC inf ) was slightly higher in females than males whereas tmax and half-life were similar in males and females. GOPRELTO pharmacokinetics are not affected by age or weight. Renal Imp
How to use / dosing
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • For intranasal use only. ( 2.1 ) • Recommended dose: two pledgets, each containing 40 mg of cocaine hydrochloride,applied to each nasal cavity. ( 2.2 ) • Do not apply to damaged nasal mucosa. ( 2.1 ) • Preparation and Application: – In a small container, soak four pledgets in the full contents (4 mL) of one bottle of GOPRELTO until the solution is fully absorbed. Each pledget absorbs 1 mL of solution, equivalent to 40 mg cocaine hydrochloride. ( 2.2 , 2.3 ) – Following soaking, place two pledgets in each nasal cavity against the septum. ( 2.3 ) – Leave pledgets in p lace for up to 20 minutes. ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Important Dosage and Administration Instructions • GOPRELTO is for intranasal use only. • Do not apply GOPRELTO to damaged nasal mucosa. 2.2 Dosing Recommendation for Adults The recommended dose of GOPRELTO is two soaked cottonoid pledgets placed in each nasal cavity, equivalent to 40 mg cocaine hydrochloride per pledget, for a total dose of 160 mg for four pledgets. The total dose for any one procedure or surgery should not exceed 160 mg, or 3 mg/kg, cocaine hydrochloride. The recommended size of cottonoid pledgets for use with GOPRELTO measure 1.3 cm x 4 cm (sold separately). 2.3 Preparation and Administration of GOPRELTO Pledgets Pour the full contents of one 4 mL (160 mg) bottle of GOPRELTO into a small container. Soak four cottonoid pledgets until the solution is fully absorbed. Following soaking, place two pledgets in each nasal cavity against the septum. Leave pledgets in place for up to twenty minutes. Remove pledgets and continue with the procedure.Discard pledgets and dispose of any unused portion of solution in accordance with institutional procedures for CII products.
Side effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions (>0.5%) occurring in patients treated with GOPRELTO (cocaine hydrochloride) nasal solution 4% were headache and epistaxis. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact LXO US., INC. at 1-844-800-8007 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trial Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. GOPRELTO has been evaluated in four Phase 1 studies and one Phase 3 study, which included 647 adult subjects who received a single topical intranasal 160 mg dose (four pledgets), of GOPRELTO. The randomized, double-blind, controlled Phase 3 study was conducted in adult patients undergoing diagnostic procedures and surgeries on or through the mucous membranes of the nasal cavities, of which 278 received GOPRELTO (4% solution), 275 received cocaine hydrochloride solution 8%, and 95 received placebo. Safety was evaluated for up to 7 days after dosing. The most commonly reported adverse reactions (>1 patient) to occur in the Phase 3 study with GOPRELTO (4% solution) were headache and epistaxis. Two adverse reactions of headache were severe (Table 1). No premature discontinuations due to an adverse event, serious adverse events, or deaths were reported in the Phase 3 clinical study. Table 1: Common Adverse Reactions with GOPRELTO in >1 Patient System Organ Class / Preferred Term GOPRELTO 4% (N=278) Cocaine Hydrochloride Solution 8% (N=275) Placebo (N=95) Nervous System Disorders Headache 7 (3%) 4 (2%) 1 (1%) Respiratory, Thoracic, and Mediastinal Disorders Epistaxis 3 (1%) 2 (1%) 0 Psychiatric Disorders Anxiety 0 2 (1%) 0

Safety advice

Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.

PregnancyUnsafe
…Pregnancy : May cause fetal harm.…
BreastfeedingCaution
…Lactation : Avoid breastfeeding for 48 hours after treatment.…
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
LiverCaution
…Hepatic Impairment : Monitor for adverse reactions such as headache, epistaxis, and clinically- relevant increases in heart rate or blood pressure.…
Warnings & precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Seizures : GOPRELTO may lower the convulsive threshold. Monitor patients for development of seizures. ( 5.2 ) • Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Increases : Monitor vital signs, including heart rate and rhythm, in patients after receiving GOPRELTO. Avoid use of GOPRELTO in patients with a recent or active history of uncontrolled hypertension, unstable angina, myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, or congestive heart failure. ( 5.3 ) 5.1 Potential for Abuse and Dependence Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, including cocaine hydrochloride, have a high potential for abuse and dependence [ see Drug Abuse and Dependence ( 9.2 , 9.3 )]. 5.2 Seizures It has been reported in the literature that cocaine hydrochloride may lower the convulsive threshold. The risk may be higher in patients with a history of seizures or in patients with prior electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities without seizures, but has been reported in patients with no prior history or EEG evidence of seizures. Monitor patients for development of seizures. 5.3 Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Increases As reported in the literature, cocaine hydrochloride causes an increase in observed blood pressure and heart rate. In the Phase 3 clinical study with GOPRELTO, increases in blood pressure and heart rate were observed for 60 minutes or longer following pledget removal. Monitor for vital sign changes, including heart rate and rhythm, after administration of GOPRELTO. Avoid use of GOPRELTO in patients with a recent or active history of uncontrolled hypertension, unstable angina, myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, or congestive heart failure. Avoid use of additional vasoconstrictor agents such as epinephrine or phenylephrine with GOPRELTO. If concomitant use is unavoidable, prolonged vital sign and ECG monitoring may be required [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )]. 5.4 Toxicology Screening The cocaine hydrochloride in GOPRELTO may be detected in plasma for up to one week after administration. Cocaine hydrochloride and its metabolites may be detected in urine toxicology screening for longer than one week after administration.
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS GOPRELTO is contraindicated in patients with a known history of hypersensitivity to cocaine hydrochloride, other ester-based anesthetics, or any other component of the product. Known hypersensitivity to cocaine hydrochloride, other ester-based anesthetics, or any other component of GOPRELTO. ( 4 )
Interactions (label text — not an interaction checker)
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS • Disulfiram : Increases plasma cocaine exposure. Avoid using GOPRELTO in patients taking disulfiram. ( 7 ) • Epinephrine, Phenylephrine : There have been reports of myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction, and ventricular arrhythmias with concomitant use during nasal surgery. Avoid use of additional vasoconstrictor agents with GOPRELTO. If concomitant use is unavoidable, prolonged vital sign and ECG monitoring may be required. ( 5.3 , 7 ) 7.1 Disulfiram Published literature reported that disulfiram treatment increased plasma cocaine exposure, including both AUC and C max , by several fold after acute intranasal cocaine administration. Other literature reported that co-administration of disulfiram increased AUC of plasma cocaine by several fold after intravenous cocaine administration [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Avoid using GOPRELTO in patients taking disulfiram. Consider using other local anesthetic agents. 7.2 Epinephrine, Phenylephrine There are reports in the published literature of myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction, and ventricular arrhythmias after concomitant administration of topical intranasal cocaine with epinephrine and phenylephrine during nasal and sinus surgery. Avoid use of additional vasoconstrictor agents such as epinephrine and phenylephrine with GOPRELTO during nasal and sinus surgery. If concomitant use is unavoidable, prolonged vital sign and ECG monitoring may be required [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ]. 7.3 Inhibitors of plasma cholinesterase (pseudocholinesterase) Cocaine has been described in literature to be primarily metabolized and inactivated by nonenzymatic ester hydrolysis and hepatic carboxylesterase, and also by plasma cholinesterase, hepatic carboxylesterase, and CYP3A4 [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. The pharmacokinetics of GOPRELTO in patients with reduced plasma cholinesterase activity has not been studied. Plasma cholinesterase activity may be decreased by chronic administration of certain monoamine oxidase inhibitors, oral contraceptives, or glucocorticoids. It may also be diminished by administration of irreversible plasma cholinesterase inhibitors such as echothiophate, organophosphate insecticides, and certain antineoplastic agents. Patients with reduced plasma cholinesterase (pseudocholinesterase) activity may have reduced clearance and increased exposure of plasma cocaine after administration of GOPRELTO. Since cocaine is metabolized by multiple enzymes, the effect of reduced plasma cholinesterase activity on cocaine exposure may be limited. No dosage adjustment of GOPRELTO is needed in patients with reduced plasma cholinesterase. Monitor patients with reduced plasma cholinesterase activity for adverse reactions such as headache, epistaxis, and clinically-relevant increases in heart rate or blood pressure.
Overdose
10 OVERDOSAGE No cases of overdose with GOPRELTO were reported in clinical trials. Blood pressure and heart rate increases were greater with cocaine hydrochloride solution 8% than with GOPRELTO. In the case of an overdose, consult with a certified poison control center (1-800-222-1222) for up-to-date guidance and advice for treatment of overdosage. Individual patient response to cocaine varies widely. Toxic symptoms may occur idiosyncratically at low doses. Manifestations of cocaine overdose associated with illicit use of cocaine reported in literature and based on reports in FDA’s Adverse Events Reporting System (AERS) database include death, cardio-respiratory arrest, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, tachycardia, myocardial infarction, agitation, aggression, restlessness, tremor, hyperreflexia, rapid respiration, confusion, assaultiveness, hallucinations, panic states, hyperpyrexia, and rhabdomyolysis. Fatigue and depression usually follow the central nervous system stimulation. Other reactions include arrhythmias, hypertension or hypotension, circulatory collapse, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Fatal poisoning is usually preceded by convulsions and coma. Because cocaine is significantly distributed to tissues and rapidly metabolized, dialysis and hemoperfusion are not effective. Acidification of the urine does not significantly enhance cocaine elimination.
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)

11 marketed products on record (RxNorm)

Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.