Tetracaine (Pontocaine, Tetcaine HCL Ophthalmic)

Category:

• Local anesthetic

Description:

• Local anesthetic (benzoic acid derivative)

Indications:

• TOP: pruritis, sunburn, toothache, sore throat, cold sores, rectal paint and irritation, control of gagging prior to performing bronchoscopy or esophagoscopy

• OPHTH: cataract extraction, tonometry, gonioscopy, removal of foreign objects, corneal suture removal, glaucoma surgery

• INJ: spinal anesthesia

Contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity to ester anesthetics; application to large areas

• Infants less than 1 year

Precautions:

• Pregnancy category C

• Child < 6 years

• Sepsis

• Denuded skin

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

SKIN: burning, irritation, rash, sensitization, stinging, tenderness

Dosage:

Administered via injection, topically

• Adult and Child:

  • TOP apply to affected area

  • OPHTH instill 1-2 drops before procedure

  • INJ 0.2%-0.3% solution for spinal anesthesia; for prolonged anesthesia (2-3 hours) 1% solution