Tetracaine (Pontocaine, Tetcaine HCL Ophthalmic)

Category:

  • Local anesthetic

Description:

  • Local anesthetic (benzoic acid derivative)

Indications:

  • TOP: pruritis, sunburn, toothache, sore throat, cold sores, rectal paint and irritation, control of gagging prior to performing bronchoscopy or esophagoscopy

  • OPHTH: cataract extraction, tonometry, gonioscopy, removal of foreign objects, corneal suture removal, glaucoma surgery

  • INJ: spinal anesthesia

Contraindications:

  • Hypersensitivity to ester anesthetics; application to large areas

  • Infants less than 1 year

Precautions:

  • Pregnancy category C

  • Child < 6 years

  • Sepsis

  • Denuded skin

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

SKIN: burning, irritation, rash, sensitization, stinging, tenderness

Dosage:

Administered via injection, topically

  • Adult and Child:

    • TOP apply to affected area

    • OPHTH instill 1-2 drops before procedure

    • INJ 0.2%-0.3% solution for spinal anesthesia; for prolonged anesthesia (2-3 hours) 1% solution

Source: Operational Medicine 2001,  Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300 

Gynecology and Obstetrics CD-ROM
Volumes 1-6
2004 Edition
 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Copyright 2004
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