Tetracaine
Tetracaine is a potent local anesthetic medication that works by blocking sodium ion channels in nerve cells, preventing the transmission of pain signals. It is primarily used to provide temporary numbness during ophthalmologic procedures, minor surgical interventions, and diagnostic examinations.
Tetracaine is a local anesthetic that numbs specific body areas by blocking nerve signal transmission.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C05AD02
- RxNorm
- 10391
- Generic
- Tetracaine
- Class
- atc-c05
- Brands
- Neo-Predef, Numfast, Kovanaze, Cetacaine, Pontocaine, Tetcaine, Altacaine, Synera, Pliaglis
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- topical, oral, nasal, ophthalmic
- Forms
- injection, gel, ointment, spray, solution, cream, powder, patch
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
limit use to essential procedures only
standard prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid prolonged use
use with caution near term
fetal monitoring during prolonged exposure
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
neonatesreduce dose
use with extreme caution in neonates due to immature skin barrier
closely monitor for systemic absorption
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrenweight-based dosing
use appropriate pediatric concentrations, avoid large surface areas
monitor for signs of toxicity
geriatric
elderlyuse caution
monitor for increased sensitivity, use lowest effective dose
observe for adverse reactions
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
standard dosing for topical use
standard monitoring
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
standard topical dosing
standard monitoring
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
wash application site before breastfeeding to avoid infant contact
standard
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Used for topical anesthesia of the eye during ophthalmologic exams, surgeries, and procedures; also applied to skin and mucous membranes for minor surgical procedures and to relieve itching or pain from various conditions.
Tetracaine blocks voltage-gated sodium ion channels in neuronal membranes, preventing the generation and conduction of nerve impulses and thereby producing localized numbness.
Should only be used under medical supervision; prolonged or repeated use may cause corneal damage or toxicity; avoid contamination of the solution; not recommended for long-term self-medication; may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy