crack cocaine

cocaine

 [ko-kān´]

an alkaloid obtained from the leaves of various species of Erythroxylon (coca plants) or produced synthetically; used as a topical anesthetic for surgery of mucous membranes. Abuse of cocaine by inhalation through the nose (“snorting”) is a serious health problem. Chronic users develop ulceration of the nasal mucosa that can eventually lead to perforation of the septum. Its systemic toxic effects are related to its sympathomimetic characteristics, including vasoconstriction, tachycardia, and hypertension. Cardiac dysrhythmias and high fever have caused serious consequences and even death in some cocaine users.

crack cocaine a smokable form of cocaine prepared for illicit use, characterized by rapid absorption and onset of euphoric effects.

crack co·caine

a derivative of cocaine, usually smoked, resulting in a brief, intense high. Crack is relatively inexpensive and extremely addictive. See: street drug.

crack cocaine

n.

Chemically purified, very potent cocaine in pellet form that is smoked through a glass pipe and is considered highly and rapidly addictive.

A ‘free-base’ form of cocaine, prepared by sodium bicarbonate extraction of cocaine-HCl, resulting in inexpensive yellowish crystals which, when smoked in a pipe, produce a brief, very intense ‘high’

crack co·caine

(krak kō-kān')

A derivative of cocaine, usually smoked, producing brief, intense euphoria. Crack cocaine is relatively inexpensive and extremely addictive; dependency can develop in less than 2 weeks. As with snorted or injected cocaine, it has both acute and chronic adverse effects, including heart and nasopharyngeal damage, seizures, sudden death, and psychosis.
See also: street drug

crack co·caine

(krak kō-kān')

Derivative of cocaine, usually smoked, resulting in a brief, intense high. It is relatively inexpensive and extremely addictive.