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Alcohol and cocaine interactions in humans
M Farré1, R de la Torre, M Llorente
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain.
The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Combining cocaine (COC) and alcohol significantly alters drug effects and pharmacokinetics. This drug combination may increase cardiovascular toxicity risks due to altered heart rate and blood pressure.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Acute alcohol intoxication impairs psychomotor performance.
- Cocaine alone causes euphoria, improves reaction time, and increases heart rate and blood pressure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the combined effects of intranasal cocaine and acute alcohol intoxication.
- To evaluate the impact on psychomotor performance, subjective feelings, and cardiovascular parameters.
- To describe the pharmacokinetic profile of cocaine and its metabolites when co-administered with alcohol.
Main Methods:
- Double-blind, controlled, randomized, cross-over clinical trial.
- Nine experienced, non-dependent healthy volunteers participated.
- Administration of 100 mg intranasal cocaine and 1 g/kg alcohol, alone and in combination.
Main Results:
- The combination decreased subjective drunkenness and increased cocaine-induced euphoria.
- Significant improvement in alcohol-related psychomotor impairment was observed.
- Marked increase in heart rate and blood pressure, potentially increasing cardiovascular toxicity risk.
- Elevated cocaine plasma levels, doubled norcocaine levels, and detected cocaethylene.
Conclusions:
- Co-administration of cocaine and alcohol can lead to subjective and performance effects perceived as more pleasant than alcohol alone.
- Alcohol may inhibit cocaine metabolism, altering its pharmacokinetic profile.
- The combined use poses a significant risk of cardiovascular toxicity due to amplified cardiovascular effects.