Cocaethylene

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 produces a more euphoric stimulation than cocaine in most users, and is longer lasting in the body. Some studies suggest that it may have a higher cardiovascular toxicity than cocaine.