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Tetracaine Hydrochloride

Generic: Tetracaine Hydrochloride

Verified·Apr 23, 2026
Manufacturer
Bausch Lomb
NDC
24208-092
ICD-10 indication
Z01.00

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About Tetracaine Hydrochloride

What is this medication? Tetracaine hydrochloride is a potent local anesthetic used primarily to provide rapid and temporary numbing of specific areas of the body. In its most common ophthalmic form, it is administered as eye drops to facilitate medical procedures such as tonometry, the removal of foreign objects, or the extraction of sutures. The medication functions by stabilizing the neuronal membrane and inhibiting the ionic fluxes required for the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses, which effectively blocks pain signals from reaching the brain.

Beyond its use in eye care, this medication is also utilized topically on the skin or mucous membranes to prepare patients for minor surgical procedures or needle insertions. It is often chosen for its quick onset of action and its ability to provide profound anesthesia in a localized area. Due to its potency and potential for side effects if misused, it is administered by healthcare professionals in clinical settings rather than for routine home use.

Copay & patient assistance

Detailed copay and financial assistance information is not publicly available for this medication at this time. Please consult your pharmacist or the manufacturer's official patient support program for more details.

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Prescribing information

From the FDA-approved label for Tetracaine Hydrochloride. Official source: DailyMed (NLM) · Label effective Aug 21, 2024

Indications and usage
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.5% is indicated for procedures requiring a rapid and short-acting topical ophthalmic anesthetic. Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.5%, is an ester local anesthetic indicated for procedures requiring a rapid and short-acting topical ophthalmic anesthetic. ( 1 )
Dosage and administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION One drop topically in the eye(s) as needed. One drop topically in the eye(s) as needed. ( 2 )
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.5% should not be used in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any component of this preparation. Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.5% should not be used in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any component of this preparation. ( 4 )
Warnings and precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Do not use intracamerally since use may damage corneal endothelial cells. ( 5.1 ) Prolonged use or abuse may lead to corneal epithelial toxicity and may manifest as epithelial defects which may progress to permanent corneal damage. ( 5.2 ) Patients should not touch the eye for at least 10-20 minutes after using anesthetic as accidental injuries can occur due to insensitivity of the eye. ( 5.3 ) For Administration by Healthcare Provider : Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.5% is not intended for patient self-administration. ( 5.4 ) 5.1 Corneal Injury with Intracameral Use Not for injection or intraocular use. Do not use intracamerally because use of Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.5% may lead to damage of the corneal endothelial cells. 5.2 Corneal Toxicity Prolonged use or abuse may lead to corneal epithelial toxicity and may manifest as epithelial defects which may progress to permanent corneal damage. 5.3 Corneal Injury Due to Insensitivity Patients should not touch the eye for at least 10-20 minutes after using anesthetic as accidental injuries can occur due to insensitivity of the eye. 5.4 For Administration by Healthcare Provider Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.5% is indicated for administration under the direct supervision of a healthcare provider. Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.5% is not intended for patient self-administration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] .
Adverse reactions
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious ocular adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Corneal Injury with Intracameral Use [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Corneal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Corneal Injury Due to Insensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] The following adverse reactions have been identified following use of Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.5%. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Ocular Adverse Reactions Transient stinging, burning, and conjunctival redness, eye irritation, eye pain, ocular discomfort. Ocular adverse events: transient stinging, burning, conjunctival redness, eye irritation, eye pain, ocular discomfort. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bausch & Lomb Incorporated at 1-800-553-5340 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Use in pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no adequate and well-controlled studies with Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.5% in pregnant women. Animal developmental and reproductive toxicity studies with tetracaine hydrochloride have not been reported in the published literature.

Label text is reproduced as-is from the FDA-approved label. We do not paraphrase, summarize, or omit. Content above is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your prescribing clinician or pharmacist before making decisions about your medication.

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How this page is sourced

  • Drug identity verified against openFDA NDC Directory.
  • Label text (when shown) originates from NLM DailyMed.
  • Copay and assistance URLs verified periodically; if you hit a broken link, tell us.