tetracaine hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Local anaesthetic
Usual role
Temporary numbing of the eye’s surface for examination or treatment
Presentation
Sterile, preservative-free, single-use eye-drop unit
After administration
Protect the numb eye and do not drive until vision is clear
What is tetracaine hydrochloride used for?
This product is licensed as a topical ocular anaesthetic.
Temporary surface anaesthesia of the eye during an examination or treatment.
How does tetracaine hydrochloride work?
It temporarily blocks the electrical signals that carry sensation, reversibly numbing the treated surface of the eye.
tetracaine hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Eye drops
Route: Ophthalmic
Strengths: 0.5% w/v, 1.0% w/v
How to take tetracaine hydrochloride
A doctor or eye specialist normally administers the drops into the conjunctival sac. Remove contact lenses first. Protect the eye and avoid touching or rubbing it until sensation returns. Gentle pressure at the inner corner of the closed eye can reduce drainage into the nose and systemic absorption. Use an opened unit immediately and discard any remainder.
For use in the eye only.
Do not replace contact lenses until the anaesthetic effect has completely worn off.
Wait until vision is clear before driving or operating machinery.
tetracaine hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Brief burning or stinging when applied
- Temporary blurred vision
Get urgent medical advice
- Corneal surface damage or swelling, with persistent pain, redness, cloudiness or impaired vision
- Severe corneal injury following prolonged or repeated use
tetracaine hydrochloride in pregnancy
Safety during pregnancy has not been established for this product. Tell the eye specialist if you are or may be pregnant; it should be used only when the clinician considers it essential.
tetracaine hydrochloride while breastfeeding
Product-specific evidence during breastfeeding is limited. Tell the eye specialist before use; the clinician should decide whether it is essential. General NHS advice says local anaesthetics are usually compatible with breastfeeding, but this is not specific to tetracaine.
tetracaine hydrochloride interactions
Tell the eye-care professional about all current medicines before tetracaine is administered.
Sulphonamide medicines
Do not use together. Concurrent sulphonamide treatment is contraindicated.
Common questions about tetracaine hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can tetracaine hydrochloride be used at home for eye pain?
This product is intended for professional procedural use, not prolonged or repeated pain relief. Repeated exposure can damage the cornea.
Can I drive after tetracaine hydrochloride eye drops?
Do not drive or operate hazardous machinery until vision is fully clear.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.