Tetracaine

Registered South African indications:

• Topical anaesthesia of the eye

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any of its excipients
• Premature infants
• Coadministration with sulphonamides

Cautions

• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Renal impairment
• Hepatic impairment
• Dust or bacterial contamination
• Prolonged use
• May impair ability to drive and operate machinery

Forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: opd

Topical anaesthesia of the eye

• Ophthalmic (opd): 1 drop into affected eye(s), as needed

To be used as directed by an ophthalmologist

Instill just prior to evaluation, for tonometry and other procedures of short duration

For minor surgical procedures, may be instilled every 5-10 mins  up to a maximum of 3 doses. For prolonged anaesthesia, instill every 5-10 mins up to a maximum of 5 doses

Systemic absorption may be reduced by compressing the lacrimal sac at the medial canthus for a minute during and following the instillation of the drops

Paed. forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: opd

Topical anaesthesia of the eye

• See adult dosage

To be used as directed by an ophthalmologist

Fewer doses may be required in young infants

Pregnancy

• Caution
• Safety for use in pregnancy has not been established, therefore, use only when considered essential

Breastfeeding

• Caution
• Safety for use during breastfeeding has not been established, therefore, use only when considered essential

Renal Impairment

• Caution; no information available

Hepatic Impairment

• Caution; no information available

Elderly

• No dose adjustment recommended

Porphyria Information

• Not porphyrinogenic (NP)

Drugs in Sport

• Permitted - No warnings

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders

• Dermatitis

Sensory Disorders

• Burning sensation
• Corneal disorders
• Superficial punctuate keratitis
• Corneal oedema
• Cornea damage

• Sulphonamides

None routine

Eye drops 1.0%- EML (Primary)

Tetracaine is used as a local anaesthetic which acts by reversibly blocking the propagation and conduction of nerve impulses along nerve axons. Tetracaine stabilises the nerve membrane, preventing the increase in sodium permeability necessary for the production of an action potential. 

Eye drops 1,0%

• Minims Tetracaine 1% (Soflens) originator

Also available in the following forms: Ointment and cream