Tetracaine*

• Tetracaine

Classification:

• Topical anesthetic

Mechanism of Action:

• Topical ophthalmic anesthetic to allow for flushing of an eye by removing the blink reflex

Indications:

• To facilitate eye flushing

Contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity to local anesthetics (caine family)
• Possible penetrating eye injury
  

Precautions:

• May cause blurred vision
• As tetracaine removes the patient’s blink reflex, they may not be able to protect from other debris.

Adverse Effects:

• May briefly increase irritation

Dose:

• 2-3 drops in the affected eye(s)

• Administered directly onto the eye.

• Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties (CPS)
• Pharmacology for the Prehospital Professional 2nd Edition