← Search & browse all drugs
SENSORY ORGANS › OPHTHALMOLOGICALS › LOCAL ANESTHETICS › Local anesthetics
tetracaine
S01HA03
Forms & Strengths
- Ophthalmic solution 0.5%
- Topical spray 0.5%
- Gel 0.5%
- Dental paste 0.5%
- Intrathecal solution 0.5% (10‑20 mg)
Adult Dosing
- Ophthalmic: 1‑2 drops every 5‑10 min, max 4 doses
- Topical (skin/mucosa): thin layer, repeat every 30 min, max 4 applications/24 h
- Spinal anesthesia: 0.5% solution, 2‑4 mL (10‑20 mg) single injection
- Infiltration/nerve block: 0.5% solution, ≤0.5 mg/kg, not to exceed 200 mg total
Pediatric Dosing
- Ophthalmic: same regimen as adults, careful observation for irritation
- Topical: apply thin layer, repeat every 30 min, max 4 applications/24 h; dose not to exceed 0.5 mg/kg
- Spinal (≤12 kg): 0.5% solution, 0.5‑1 mL (2.5‑5 mg) single dose
- Infiltration: 0.5% solution, ≤0.5 mg/kg, maximum total dose 100 mg
Indications
- Local anesthesia of the eye for diagnostic or surgical procedures
- Surface anesthesia of skin, mucous membranes, or oral cavity for minor procedures
- Spinal (subarachnoid) anesthesia for short‑duration surgeries
- Topical analgesia for burns, abrasions, or hemorrhoidal procedures
Mechanism of Action
- Reversible blockade of voltage‑gated Na⁺ channels in neuronal membranes, preventing depolarization and nerve impulse propagation
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to tetracaine or other ester‑type local anesthetics
- Severe cardiac conduction disturbances (e.g., high‑grade AV block)
- Patients with methemoglobinemia or predisposition (e.g., G6PD deficiency)
Adverse Reactions
- Local burning, stinging, erythema or edema at application site
- Pruritus or mild rash
- Systemic toxicity: CNS tremor, seizures, loss of consciousness
- Cardiovascular: hypotension, bradycardia, arrhythmias
- Methemoglobinemia (rare, dose‑related)
Drug Interactions
- Concurrent use of other Na⁺ channel blockers (e.g., quinidine, procainamide) ↑ cardiotoxic risk
- Epinephrine can prolong action but may increase systemic absorption → heightened toxicity
- CNS depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, opioids) ↑ risk of respiratory depression
- Drugs inducing methemoglobinemia (e.g., dapsone, sulfonamides) additive risk
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use