• Background
• Related terms
• Evidence
• Dosing
• Safety
• Methodology
• Selected references

• RSS Feeds

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older)

General : Drinking coca tea is a common practice in several South American countries. Coca tea bags normally contain about a gram of leaves.

Cocaine dependence : Chewing 100 to 200 grams of coca leaf per week for about 27 months has been used.

Exercise tolerance : In one study, an average of 16 grams of coca leaves was chewed for one hour. In another study, subjects chewed 15 grams of coca leaves (yielding 0.4%-0.7% cocaine) for one hour. "Unlimited" or "usual" amounts of coca leaves have both been chewed for one hour. The amount of coca leaves chewed by the treatment group was obtained by subtracting the weight of the subjects' supply of coca leaves after chewing from the weight of their initial supply before chewing. In another study, habitual coca chewers were given the amount that they "normally" chewed, and "non-chewers" were given 4.5 grams; chewing lasted for one hour.

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) : An unknown amount of coca leaves was chewed for thirty minutes.

Children (under 18 years old)

Insufficient available data.

Mayo Clinic Store

Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic.

• Try Mayo Clinic Health Letter FREE!
• Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine
• Mayo Clinic Five Steps to Controlling High Blood Pressure
• Reach out to Mayo Clinic pregnancy experts for confidential advice

The Mayo Clinic Diet — Eat well. Enjoy life. Lose weight.