See Also: crack cocaine(medicine)
Herbal medicine (botanical medicine, herbology, phytomedicine)(health)
cocaine(encyclopedia)
Cocaine(health)
cocaine(dictionary)
Cocaine(medicine)
cocaine(dictionary)
cocaine esterase(medicine)
cocaine abuse(medicine)
cocaine-related disorder(medicine)

crack cocaine (medicine)


crack cocaine


The purified, alkaloidal, extra-potent form of cocaine. It is smoked (free-based), injected intravenously, and orally ingested. Use of crack results in alterations in function of the cardiovascular system, the autonomic nervous system, the central nervous system, and the gastrointestinal system. There are concomitant psychological and social alterations as well. The slang term "crack" was derived from the crackling sound made upon igniting of this form of cocaine for smoking.