Tetracaine (Into the eye)
TE-tra-kane
Decreases feeling in your eyes before a surgery, test, or procedure. This medicine is a topical anesthetic.
Drug classes
Anesthetic, Local (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Tetracaine eye drops are used to numb the eye before surgery, certain tests, or procedures. The eye drops are used to prevent pain during the procedure.
Tetracaine belongs to the group of medicines called local anesthetics. It works by blocking the pain signals at the nerve endings in the eye.
This medicine is to be administered only by or under the direct supervision of an eye doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Ointment, Liquid
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is given as a drop into your eye.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
When Not To Use
You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to tetracaine or other similar numbing medicine, or to aminobenzoic acid.
Warnings
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
Make sure you do not rub your eye, or expose your eye to irritating chemicals or dust particles after you receive this medicine.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Anxiety, dizziness or drowsiness.
Blurred vision.
Chest pain or trouble breathing.
Lightheadedness or fainting.
Slow heartbeat.
Swelling, redness, severe pain or itching of your eyes or eyelids.
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Depression (sadness) or agitation.
Mild irritation, burning, or watering of your eyes.
Sensitivity to light.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Altacaine, Tetcaine, Tetcaine HCl, TetraVisc, TetraVisc Forte
There may be other brand names for this medicine.