Cocaine Toothache Drops? Cocaine was legal in the United States until 1914. Like the opioids, it was widely used as an ingredient in over-the-counter medicines (Jonnes, 1999). Cocaine derivatives, such as novocaine and lidocaine, are used medically as anesthetics. Cocaine was also part of Coca-Cola’s original formula in 1888. It was replaced in 1903 with another stimulant, caffeine.

The Granger Collection