Tetracaine Hydrochloride, Ophthalmic

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: anesthetic

Generic and brand names: tetracaine hydrochloride, ophthalmic; Pontocaine

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine, in the form of eyedrops, is used to cause numbness before and during eye surgery or other eye procedures.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

This medicine is given by a healthcare provider trained in the use of local anesthesia.

Do not rub or wipe your eyes until the effect of the medicine has worn off and the feeling in your eye has returned to normal.

What should I watch out for?

Tell your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve in a week, if it gets worse, or if your eyes become irritated.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Dizziness, drowsiness, irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing, unusual nervousness or muscle twitching.

Other: Temporary stinging, burning, or redness in your eye; blurred vision; sensitive to light.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, do not use steroid eyedrops at the same time unless your healthcare provider approves.

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.

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