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Cetacaine Topical Anesthetic Spray Dosage

Generic name: Benzocaine 0.028g in 0.2g, Butamben 0.004g in 0.2g, Tetracaine Hydrochloride 0.004g in 0.2g
Dosage form: aerosol, spray
Drug class: Mouth and throat products

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 8, 2024.

Cetacaine Spray should be applied for approximately one second or less for normal anesthesia. Only a limited quantity of Cetacaine is required for anesthesia. Spray in excess of two seconds is contraindicated. Each one-second spray contains an average of 200 mg of product, not including propellant.

To apply, insert the cannula firmly onto the protruding plastic stem on the bottle and press the cannula forward to actuate the spray valve. The cannula may be removed and reinserted as many times as required for cleaning, or sterilization, and is autoclavable.

Cetacaine Liquid

Apply 200 mg liquid (approximately 0.2 mL) directly to tissue. Liquid in excess of 400 mg (approximately 0.4 mL) is contraindicated.

To apply, remove and discard the shipping cap from the bottle. Replace it with the supplied Luer-lock cap. Caution: Do not over-tighten. Remove small cap from luer-lock port, retaining it for replacement after use. Port allows for a single dip of a cotton or brush applicator for application directly to accessible mucous membrane. For application into periodontal pockets, Cetylite Luer-lock syringes and Microcapillary Delivery Tips are recommended. Cetylite Syringes are clearly marked in (4) 0.1 mL increments. To fill, attach syringe to port by gently twisting clockwise until secure. Invert and draw desired amount of liquid into the syringe. Remove filled syringe and attach Microcapillary Delivery Tip to the syringe. Tip may be bent to improve access. Apply dropwise to accessible mucous membrane (such as buccal and lingual sulcus) by slowly depressing the syringe plunger. Discard all applicators after use.

An appropriate pediatric dosage has not been established for Cetacaine Spray or Cetacaine Liquid.

Dosages should be reduced in the debilitated elderly, acutely ill, and very young patients (i.e., children 2 years and older).

Do not use Cetacaine Spray or Cetacaine Liquid to treat infants or children younger than 2 years.

Tissue need not be dried prior to application of Cetacaine. Cetacaine should be applied directly to the site where pain control is required. Anesthesia is produced within one minute with an approximate duration of thirty minutes. Each 200 mg dose of Cetacaine (Spray or Liquid) contains 28 mg of benzocaine, 4 mg of butamben and 4 mg of tetracaine HCl.

Further information

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