Tetracaine eye solution

What is this medication?

TETRACAINE (TE truh keyn) is an anesthetic. The eye drops are used to numb the eye and surrounding area before certain procedures.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): AK-T Caine, Pontocaine, Tetcaine, TetraVisc, TetraVisc Forte

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

•infection

•wear contact lenses

•an unusual or allergic reaction to tetracaine, para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), other anesthetics, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is applied to the eye. It is applied only by a health-care professional in a hospital, clinic, or doctor's office.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Do not touch, wipe or rub your eyes after application of this medicine; you could hurt the eye without feeling it. Do not try and put contact lenses in your eyes until the effect of this medicine has worn off. Follow your doctor's directions.

You should not use this medicine yourself except under the direct supervision of your doctor. This medicine should not be used for prolonged periods of time. If your condition does not improve, call your health care professional.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•eye pain

•skin rash, itching (hives)

•sensitivity to light

•swelling of the eye or eyelid

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•burning, stinging, redness, or irritation in the eye

•watering of the eyes

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Do not use the medicine if it is cloudy or if crystals form in it.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.