Cocaethylene
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Cocaethylene is the ethyl ester of benzoylecgonine. It is chemically related to cocaine, which is the corresponding methyl ester. Cocaethylene is formed in the body when cocaine and alcohol have been taken simultaneously: the transesterification is catalysed by carboxylesterases in the liver. It does not occur naturally in coca leaves.
Cocaethylene has similar euphoric properties to cocaine, but is longer lasting in the body. Some studies suggest that it is more toxic than cocaine itself, particularly to the heart.
[edit] References
- M. J. Landry, J. Psychoactive Drugs 1992, 24, 273-6.
- M. Perez et al., Psychopharmacology (Berl.) 1994, 116, 428-32.,
- M. J. Landry, Behavioral Health Management 1994, September 1.
- S. C. Laizure et al., Drug Metabolism Disposition 2003, 31, 16-20.
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