Tetracaine (Topical application)

Tetracaine is used in various parts of the body to create numbness or loss of feeling in some patients before a medical test or procedure.

Tetracaine is part of a group of medicines called topical local anesthetics. It numbs the nerve endings in the skin. This medicine does not cause unconsciousness like general anesthetics do when used for surgery.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

It is very important that your doctor monitors you closely for any issues or side effects that may result from this medicine.

Stop using this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience a skin rash, burning, stinging, swelling, or irritation of your skin.

Do not apply cosmetics or other skin care products on the areas of your skin that have been treated.

In deciding to use a medicine, it's important to consider the risks versus the benefits. This is a choice you will make with your doctor. For this medicine, keep the following in mind:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know about any other allergies you may have, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

There is no information available about how tetracaine affects children. Its safety and effectiveness have not been established for this age group.

Geriatric

There is no information available about how tetracaine affects older adults.

Breast Feeding

Research in women suggests that this medication is likely to pose minimal risk to infants when used during breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while others can be used together even if there may be an interaction. In these cases, your doctor may need to adjust the dose or take other precautions. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be taken around the time of eating or with certain foods, as interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with some medicines may also cause interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional how to use your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Other medical issues may affect how you can use this medicine. Make sure to inform your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, especially:

• Brain or spinal problems or
• Eye problems or
• Heart and blood vessel problems—Use with caution. These conditions may worsen.

• Infection at or near the area of application or
• Large sores, broken skin, or severe injury at the application site—This may increase the risk of side effects.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. While not everyone may experience these side effects, if they do happen, they may require medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse right away if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

• Blurred vision
• chest pain or discomfort
• confusion
• dizziness
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when suddenly standing up from a lying or sitting position
• fainting
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• lightheadedness or fainting
• no blood pressure or pulse
• no breathing
• numbness
• seizures
• shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
• shortness of breath
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• stopping of heart
• sweating
• trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
• unconsciousness
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Additionally, your health care professional may be able to suggest ways to prevent or lessen some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects persist, become bothersome, or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

• Continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
• fear or nervousness
• hearing loss
• restlessness
• sleepiness

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Cepacol Viractin
• Pontocaine

In Canada

• Supracaine

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Anesthetic, Local

Chemical Class: Amino Ester

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is for use on the skin only.

Be careful not to get any of this medicine in your nose, mouth, and especially in your eyes, because it can cause severe eye irritation. If any of the medicine does get into these areas especially the eyes, wash it with water and check with your doctor right away.