Intranasal topical cocaine: Moffett's method or topical cocaine paste?

Abstract

The total amount of cocaine used by ENT departments in the United Kingdom is about 960 kg. per year and this costs the Health Service in this country over 100,000 pounds. The majority of this cocaine is used intranasally prior to or during surgical procedures to provide mucosal vasoconstriction and analgesia. The techniques of applying cocaine vary from hospital to hospital. A comparison is made between two common methods of use, Moffett's solution and method, and 25 per cent cocaine paste applied on a wire and cotton wool probe. Cocaine serum levels were monitored and compared to known toxic dose levels.