TetraVisc (Ophthalmic)

Tetracaine eye drops are used to numb the eye before surgery, certain tests, or procedures. The eye drops help to prevent pain during the procedure.

Tetracaine is part of a group of medicines known as local anesthetics. It works by blocking pain signals at the nerve endings in the eye.

This medicine should be given only by or under the direct supervision of an eye doctor.

Your doctor will monitor your progress closely while you are using this medicine. This will help your doctor determine if the medicine is effective and if you should keep using it.

It is very important to keep your eye safe from injury while it is still numb. Do not touch or rub your eye. Do not use any other eye drops until your doctor advises you to. Protect your eye from dust, sand, or anything that could cause irritation.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to consider the risks of the medicine against the benefits it may provide. For this medicine, you should think about the following:

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 if you have any other allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or pets. For non-prescription products, carefully read the label or package ingredients.

Pediatric

There have not been appropriate studies on how tetracaine eye drops affect children. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been established.

Geriatric

There is no information available on how tetracaine eye drops affect older adults.

Breast Feeding

Research in women indicates that this medication poses minimal risk to infants when used during breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should never be used together, while others may be used together even if there could be an interaction. In those cases, your doctor may adjust the dose or take other precautions. It is particularly important for your healthcare professional to know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below while receiving this medicine. The following interactions have been chosen based on their potential significance and are not necessarily a complete list.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is generally not recommended, but may be necessary in some situations. If both medicines are prescribed, your doctor may adjust the dose or frequency for one or both.

• Bupivacaine
• Hyaluronidase
• St John's Wort

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be taken around mealtime or with certain foods due to potential interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with some medicines can also cause interactions. Talk to your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical issues may impact the use of this medicine. Make sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, especially:

• Heart disease—This may worsen side effects.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

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

Rare

• Blurred vision
• Redness of the clear part of the eye
• Sensitivity to light
• Severe stinging in the eye
• Tearing
• Throbbing eye pain

Incidence not known

• Bloody eye
• Burning, stinging, itching, redness, or irritation of the eye
• Change in vision

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.

• Altacaine
• Tetcaine
• TetraVisc
• TetraVisc Forte

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Anesthetic, Local

Chemical Class: Amino Ester

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. The eye drops are placed directly in the eye.