Tetracaine
Anesthetic · Rx
Trade namesAltacaine, Tetravisc, Pontocaine
Drug classTopical ester anesthetic (diagnostic)
Strength0.5%
AvailabilityRx
Mechanism of actionSodium-channel blockade of corneal sensory nerves; slightly longer duration than proparacaine but stings noticeably more on instillation.
Indication / reason for useSame diagnostic and minor-procedure indications as proparacaine; often used for foreign-body removal.
Usual adult dosing1-2 drops before the procedure.
PreservativeBAK / chlorobutanol depending on brand
Contact lensesRemove lenses; reinsert only after full sensation returns.
Common / important adverse effectsMarked transient stinging, punctate keratopathy, loss of protective reflex; more epithelial toxicity than proparacaine with repeated use.
Contraindications & cautionsNever for home / repeated use (anesthetic abuse keratopathy).
Pregnancy / lactationSingle diagnostic use low risk.
Chair-side reference only. Dosing, contraindications and pregnancy guidance here are not exhaustive. Confirm against the current prescribing information and the patient’s full history before prescribing or advising.