Tetracaine Drug Information
Generic name: TETRACAINE HYDROCHLORIDE
Uses of Tetracaine
Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution 0.5% is indicated for procedures requiring a rapid and short-acting topical ophthalmic anesthetic. Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution 0.5% is an ester local anesthetic indicated for procedures requiring a rapid and short-acting topical ophthalmic anesthetic.
Dosage & Administration of Tetracaine
Topical
Administration One drop topically in the eye as needed. Discard unused portion.
Sterile Field
Administration Open package using standard aseptic technique. The DROP‑TAINER ® dispenser may then be allowed to fall upon a sterile surface. The entire outer surface of the DROP‑TAINER ® dispenser and its contents are sterile.
Side Effects of Tetracaine
The following serious ocular adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Corneal injury with Intracameral Use Corneal Toxicity Corneal Injury due to Insensitivity The following adverse reactions have been identified following use of Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution 0.5%. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Ocular Adverse Reactions Transient stinging, burning, and conjunctival redness, eye irritation, eye pain, ocular discomfort. Ocular adverse events: stinging, burning, conjunctival redness To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Alcon Laboratories, Inc., at 1-800-757-9195 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Warnings & Cautions for Tetracaine
Corneal injury with Intracameral Use Not for injection or intraocular use. Do
not use intracamerally because use of TetracaineHydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution 0.5% may lead to damage of the corneal endothelial cells.
Corneal Toxicity Prolonged use or abuse may lead to corneal epithelial toxicity
and may manifest as epithelial defects which may progress to permanent corneal damage.
Corneal Injury due to Insensitivity Patients should not touch the eye for
at least 10-20 minutes after using anesthetic as accidental injuries can occur due to insensitivity of the eye.
For
Administration by Healthcare Provider Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution 0.5% is indicated for administration under the direct supervision of a healthcare provider. Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution 0.5% is not intended for patient self-administration.
Pregnancy Safety for Tetracaine
Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no adequate and well-controlled studies with Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution 0.5% in pregnant women. Animal developmental and reproductive toxicity studies with tetracaine hydrochloride have not been reported in the published literature.
Pediatric Use of Tetracaine
Pediatric Use Safety in the pediatric population has been demonstrated in clinical trials. Efficacy of tetracaine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution for use in pediatric patients has been extrapolated from adequate and well controlled clinical trials in the adult population.
Overdosage Information for Tetracaine
Prolonged use of a topical ocular anesthetic including TetracaineHydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution 0.5% may produce permanent corneal opacification and ulceration with accompanying visual loss. Symptoms related to systemic toxicity consist mainly of effects on the neurologic and cardiovascular systems.
Clinical Studies of Tetracaine
Topical administration of tetracainehydrochloride ophthalmic solution results in localized temporary anesthesia. The maximum effect is achieved within 10–20 seconds after instillation, with efficacy lasting 10–20 minutes. Duration of effect can be extended with repeated dosing. .
Drug information sourced from the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any medication decisions.
Ready to save on Tetracaine?
Compare prescription prices at over 70,000 pharmacies and start saving today—no enrollment required.
Compare Tetracaine Prices