Drug reference

Tetracaine

Local Anesthetic · Ophthalmic Anesthetic

Also known as Amethocaine, Tetracaine hydrochloride

Local AnestheticOphthalmic Anesthetic

CDSCO approved

EXCRETION

—

not curated

INTERACTIONS

2 major

SEVERE in our sources

PREGNANCY

—

not curated

Top interactions

Nitrous AcidSevereDatabaseDDInter
PrilocaineSevereDatabaseDDInter

Mechanism

Tetracaine functions as a topical local anaesthetic. It is known to produce a profound anaesthesia, making it suitable for minor surgical procedures.

Indications

Local anaesthesia to the eyeAnaesthesia before minor surgical procedures, such as the removal of corneal suturespain (nociception)Spinal anesthesia (when long duration is needed)Topical anesthetic preparationsOphthalmic usetopical ophthalmic anesthesiaTopical application to the eyeTopical application to the noseTopical application to the throatTopical application to the tracheobronchial treeSpinal anaesthesia (rarely for long duration)Caudal anaesthesia (rarely for long duration)

Dosing

Adult: Apply as required to the eye

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Slow

Peak effect

Peak anesthetic effect following topical application occurs within 3 to 8 minutes.

Duration

Long (400- to 450-min) duration of action for nerve blocks; 210- to 240-min duration for spinal anesthesia

Protein binding

Bound to α1 acid glycoprotein in plasma.

Metabolism

Slowly hydrolysed by plasma pseudocholinesterase.

Contraindications

Should not be used for the management of ocular symptoms

Side effects

Common

DermatitisEye disordersEye inflammationParaesthesiaTemporary disruptive effect on the corneal epithelium

Serious

Increased systemic toxicity (due to slower metabolism compared to other common ester local anesthetics)
allergic reactions
More toxic than other LAs (due to slow hydrolysis)