Tetracaine is an amino-ester class local anesthetic. It has been used for various purposes since the early 1930s, but its most common use today is as a topical ophthalmic anesthetic for short procedures on the surface of the eye and the ears and nose. Spinal anesthesia is also another indication. The World Health Organization (WHO) lists tetracaine as an essential medication and is relatively inexpensive compared to other local anesthetic agents.

It is an ester-type anesthetic that produces local anesthesia by blocking the sodium ion channels involved in initiating and conducting neuronal impulses. Tetracaine is rapidly hydrolyzed in the plasma; therefore, the volume of distribution could not be determined.

Tetracaine eye drops

Tetracaine eye drops 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.

Tetracaine eye drops can cause eye stinging, burning, or redness, but these side effects only last for a short time.

Note

Avoid touching, rubbing, or poking around your eyes after receiving these drops because you might accidentally injure them. Tetracaine eye drops will numb your eyes, so avoid accidental injury until the numbing effects wear off.

If you received several doses of tetracaine eye drops, the effects might last longer than 20 minutes. Check with your provider about when you're safe to touch your eyes after your procedure.

Your provider will ensure that the tip of the medication bottle doesn't touch your eye or any other surface because this can spread germs.