Tetracaine (Systemic)

Generic name: Tetracaine (systemic) [ TET-ra-kane ]
Drug class: Local injectable anesthetics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 14, 2023.

Uses of Tetracaine:

• It is used to numb an area before a procedure.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Tetracaine?

• If you have an allergy to tetracaine, aminobenzoic acid, or any other part of tetracaine (systemic).
• If you are allergic to tetracaine (systemic); any part of tetracaine (systemic); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have heart block.
• If you are taking a sulfa (sulfonamide) drug. Ask your doctor if you are not sure if any of your drugs are a sulfa drug.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with tetracaine (systemic).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take tetracaine (systemic) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Tetracaine?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take tetracaine (systemic). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Very bad and sometimes deadly allergic reactions have rarely happened. Talk with your doctor.
• If you are allergic to sulfites, talk with your doctor. Some products have sulfites.
• If you are 65 or older, use tetracaine (systemic) with care. You could have more side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using tetracaine (systemic) while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Tetracaine) best taken?

Use tetracaine (systemic) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Your doctor will give tetracaine (systemic).

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Dizziness or passing out.
• Feeling nervous and excitable.
• Feeling confused.
• Shakiness.
• Blurred eyesight.
• Feeling sleepy.
• Seizures.
• Chest pain or pressure.
• Very upset stomach or throwing up.
• Chills.
• Small pupils.
• Ringing in ears.
• Weakness.
• Not able to move.
• Very bad headache.

What are some other side effects of Tetracaine?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Tetracaine?

• If you need to store tetracaine (systemic) at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about tetracaine (systemic), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer