Overview

Coca (Erythroxylum coca) is a plant. The leaves are sometimes used to make medicinal tea. They are also a source of cocaine, an illegal drug in the US.

The cocaine found in coca can cause an increase in brain activity and have numbing (anesthetic) effects. Cocaine is highly addictive.

People use coca leaves for fatigue, asthma, altitude sickness, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Using coca can also be unsafe.

Uses & Effectiveness

Likely InEffective for

  • Athletic performance. Coca increases heart rate but it doesn't seem to improve the body's ability to exercise.

There is interest in using coca for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Coca leaf that has had the cocaine removed (decocainized) is commonly used as a food flavoring. There isn't enough reliable information to know if regular coca leaves are safe. But the cocaine contained in coca leaves is likely unsafe. Cocaine is illegal in the US and can cause serious side effects such as migraines, seizures, strokes, heart attacks, high blood pressure, and liver and kidney failure. As little as 1/4 of a teaspoon of cocaine can be deadly. Cocaine is highly addictive.

When inhaled: The cocaine contained in coca leaves is unsafe. Cocaine is illegal and can cause serious side effects such as migraines, seizures, strokes, heart attacks, high blood pressure, and liver and kidney failure. As little as 1/4 of a teaspoon of cocaine can be deadly. Cocaine is highly addictive.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Coca leaf that has had the cocaine removed (decocainized) is commonly used as a food flavoring. There isn't enough reliable information to know if regular coca leaves are safe. But the cocaine contained in coca leaves is likely unsafe. Cocaine is illegal in the US and can cause serious side effects such as migraines, seizures, strokes, heart attacks, high blood pressure, and liver and kidney failure. As little as 1/4 of a teaspoon of cocaine can be deadly. Cocaine is highly addictive.

When inhaled: The cocaine contained in coca leaves is unsafe. Cocaine is illegal and can cause serious side effects such as migraines, seizures, strokes, heart attacks, high blood pressure, and liver and kidney failure. As little as 1/4 of a teaspoon of cocaine can be deadly. Cocaine is highly addictive.

Pregnancy: It's unsafe to use coca when pregnant. The cocaine in coca might cause a miscarriage or birth defects. Coca use is also linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Breast-feeding: It's unsafe to use coca when breast-feeding. The cocaine in coca is excreted into breast milk, and harmful effects can occur in infants.

Asthma: The cocaine in coca can make asthma worse. Don't use it.

Heart disease: The cocaine in coca can make heart disease worse. Don't use it.

Diabetes: Coca might increase blood sugar levels in some people. Coca might affect blood sugar control in people with diabetes.

High blood pressure (hypertension): Coca can increase blood pressure. Don't use it.

History of stroke or at risk for stroke: If you have a history of stroke or are at high risk for having a stroke, do not use coca. The cocaine in coca increases the chance of dying from a stroke.

A condition called plasma pseudocholinesterase deficiency (PPD): People with PPD are more likely than others to have seizures and/or die after using coca. Don't use it.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Alcohol (Ethanol) interacts with Coca

    Coca contains cocaine. Cocaine can affect your thinking. Alcohol can also affect your thinking. Taking cocaine and alcohol together can cause serious effects on thinking.

  • Nifedipine (Procardia) interacts with Coca

    Coca contains cocaine. Taking cocaine with nifedipine increases the risk of serious side effects such as seizure.

  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with Coca

    Coca might increase blood sugar levels. Taking coca along with diabetes medications might reduce the effects of these medications. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

  • Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with Coca

    Coca might increase blood pressure. Taking coca might reduce the effects of blood pressure medications. Monitor your blood pressure closely.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of coca might be. But the cocaine found in coca leaves may be unsafe. Speak with a healthcare provider before using.
View References
Show More Show Less

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
Licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Copyright © 1995-2025 by Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. All Rights Reserved.