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Molecule

Tetracaine

Also known as tetracaine hydrochloride
Presentations
2
Brands
0
Manufacturers
0
Available from stock
0

Tetracaine is an ester local anesthetic indicated for procedures requiring a rapid and short-acting topical ophthalmic anesthetic. It is available as ophthalmic solution and eye drops. MedsAcross supplies Tetracaine for export from India to licensed hospitals, importers and physicians acting for named patients, with the documents each country requires.

Information from the US FDA prescribing information, retrieved 12 November 2026. Not yet medically reviewed.How we review

Key facts

Pharmacological class
Ester Local Anesthetic, Local Anesthesia
ATC classification
C05AD02 Tetracaine · Vein and capillary protectors, subgroup C05A, subgroup C05ADD04AB06 Tetracaine · Anti-itch skin treatments, subgroup D04A, subgroup D04ABN01BA03 Tetracaine · Local anesthetic, subgroup N01BAS01HA03 Tetracaine · Local anesthetic
US FDA first approval
29 February 2016
EU status
Not recorded
Orphan designation
Not recorded
WHO essential medicine
Not recorded
India (CDSCO)
Not yet confirmed against CDSCO approval lists
Routes
Ophthalmic
Dosage forms
Ophthalmic solution, Eye drops
Identifiers
UNII 0619F35CGVRxCUI 10391CAS 94-24-6DrugBank DB09085Q419608

Clinical information

From the regulator-approved product information. Each section names its source.

Uses

Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution 0.5% is indicated for procedures requiring a rapid and short-acting topical ophthalmic anesthetic. Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution 0.5% is an ester local anesthetic indicated for procedures requiring a rapid and short-acting topical ophthalmic anesthetic.

Source: US FDA prescribing information

How it works

Tetracaine blocks sodium ion channels required for the initiation and conduction of neuronal impulses thereby affecting local anesthesia.

Source: US FDA prescribing information

Dosing overview

One drop topically in the eye(s) as needed. Discard unused portion. Topical Administration One drop topically in the eye as needed.

Source: US FDA prescribing information

Warnings and precautions

Do not use intracamerally since use may damage corneal endothelial cells. Prolonged use or abuse may lead to corneal epithelial toxicity and may manifest as epithelial defects which may progress to permanent corneal damage. 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. For Administration by Healthcare Provider: Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution 0.5% is not intended for patient self-administration.

Source: US FDA prescribing information

Side effects

The following serious ocular adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Corneal injury with Intracameral Use Corneal Toxicity Corneal Injury due to Insensitivity The following adverse reactions have been identified following use of Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution 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: stinging, burning, conjunctival redness

Source: US FDA prescribing information

For healthcare professionals and buyers. This is not medical advice. Treatment decisions belong to the prescriber.

All presentations

2 presentations of Tetracaine, sorted by availability.

MedicineManufacturerRegisterAvailability
Tetracaine 5 mg/mL ophthalmic solutionOphthalmicGeneric name—US FDAAvailable on request
Tetracaine 5 mg/mL eye dropsOphthalmicGeneric name—US FDAAvailable on request

Regulatory status

Approval facts from US FDA, EMA and CDSCO data, and registration status by country where we hold register data.

RegisterStatusSource
US FDAFirst approved 29 February 2016Drugs@FDA
EU (EMA)Not recorded—
India (CDSCO)Not yet confirmed against CDSCO approval lists—
United StatesRegisteredUS FDA (NDC directory, openFDA)Checked 12 November 2026

Conditions

Conditions linked to Tetracaine in public data. This is not a list of approved uses, see the clinical information.

Questions and answers

Is Tetracaine available for export from India?

Yes, on request. MedsAcross lists 2 presentations of Tetracaine and sources them for licensed hospitals, importers and physicians against valid import documents.

Is Tetracaine approved by the US FDA?

Yes. The US FDA first approved Tetracaine on 29 February 2016, according to Drugs@FDA.

Does Tetracaine need cold chain shipping?

No listed presentation of Tetracaine is recorded as needing a cold chain. Storage conditions are shown on each presentation page.

Which ATC class is Tetracaine in?

Tetracaine is classified under ATC code C05AD02 (Tetracaine).

References

  1. Tetracaine Hydrochloride prescribing information (Alcon Laboratories). U.S. National Library of Medicine, DailyMed. Retrieved 19 January 2024

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