Tetracaine Ophthalmic Solution Prescribing Information

Package insert / product label
Generic name: tetracaine hydrochloride
Dosage form: ophthalmic solution
Drug class: Ophthalmic anesthetics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 1, 2022.

Indications and Usage for Tetracaine Ophthalmic Solution

Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.5% is indicated for procedures requiring a rapid and short-acting topical ophthalmic anesthetic.

Tetracaine Ophthalmic Solution Dosage and Administration

One drop topically in the eye(s) as needed.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.5% is a clear, colorless, ophthalmic solution containing 0.5% w/v tetracaine hydrochloride equivalent to tetracaine 0.44% w/v.

Contraindications

Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.5% should not be used in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any component of this preparation.

Warnings and Precautions

Corneal Injury with Intracameral Use

Not for injection or intraocular use. Do not use intracamerally because use of Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.5% may lead to damage of the corneal endothelial cells.

Corneal Toxicity

Prolonged use or abuse may lead to corneal epithelial toxicity and may manifest as epithelial defects which may progress to permanent corneal damage.

Corneal Injury Due to Insensitivity

Patients should not touch the eye for at least 10-20 minutes after using anesthetic as accidental injuries can occur due to insensitivity of the eye.

5.4 For Administration by Healthcare Provider

Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.5% is indicated for administration under the direct supervision of a healthcare provider. Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.5% is not intended for patient self-administration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Adverse Reactions

The following serious ocular adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:

•

Corneal Injury with Intracameral Use [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]

•

Corneal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]

•

Corneal Injury Due to Insensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]

The following adverse reactions have been identified following use of Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.5%. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Ocular Adverse Reactions

Transient stinging, burning, and conjunctival redness, eye irritation, eye pain, ocular discomfort.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Pregnancy

Risk Summary

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies with Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.5% in pregnant women. Animal developmental and reproductive toxicity studies with tetracaine hydrochloride have not been reported in the published literature.

Lactation

Risk Summary

There are no data to assess whether Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.5% is excreted in human milk or to assess its effects on milk production/excretion. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.5% and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.5%.

Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

No human data on the effect of Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.5% on fertility are available.

Pediatric Use

Safety of Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.5% in the pediatric population has been demonstrated in clinical trials. Efficacy of Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.5% for use in pediatric patients has been extrapolated from adequate and well-controlled clinical trials in the adult population.

Geriatric Use

No overall differences in safety or effectiveness of Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.5% have been observed between elderly and younger patients.

Overdosage

Prolonged use of a topical ocular anesthetic including Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.5% may produce permanent corneal opacification and ulceration with accompanying visual loss.

Tetracaine Ophthalmic Solution Description

Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.5% is a sterile, clear, colorless, topical local anesthetic for ophthalmic use only containing tetracaine hydrochloride as the active pharmaceutical ingredient.

Tetracaine hydrochloride is chemically designated as benzoic acid, 4-(butylamino)-, 2-(dimethylamino) ethyl ester, monohydrochloride. Its chemical formula is C15H24N2O2 ● HCl and it is represented by the chemical structure:

Tetracaine hydrochloride is a fine, white, crystalline, odorless powder with a molecular weight of 300.83.

Active ingredient: tetracaine hydrochloride 0.5% w/v (equivalent to 0.44% w/v tetracaine)

Preservative: chlorobutanol 0.4%

Inactive ingredients: boric acid, edetate disodium dihydrate, potassium chloride, water for injection. Sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid may be added to adjust pH (3.7 – 6.0).

Tetracaine Ophthalmic Solution - Clinical Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action

Tetracaine blocks sodium ion channels required for the initiation and conduction of neuronal impulses thereby affecting local anesthesia.

Pharmacokinetics

The systemic exposure to tetracaine following topical ocular administration of Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.5% has not been studied. Tetracaine hydrochloride is metabolized by plasma pseudocholinesterases and nonspecific esterases in ocular tissues.

Nonclinical Toxicology

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Studies to assess the genotoxicity of tetracaine hydrochloride have not been reported in the published literature. Long-term animal studies have not been conducted to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of tetracaine hydrochloride. Animal studies to assess the effects of tetracaine hydrochloride on fertility have not been reported in the published literature.

Clinical Studies

Topical administration of Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.5% results in localized temporary anesthesia. The maximum effect is achieved within 10–20 seconds after instillation, with efficacy lasting 10–20 minutes. Duration of effect can be extended with repeated dosing [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Overdosage (10)].

How Supplied/Storage and Handling

Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.5% is supplied as a sterile, aqueous, topical ophthalmic solution in a low-density polyethylene plastic dropper bottle with a low-density polyethylene dropper tip and white polypropylene cap in the following sizes:

NDC 24208-092-15 15 mL in a 15 mL Bottle

NDC 24208-092-05 5 mL in a 7.5 mL Bottle

After opening, this product can be used until the expiration date stamped on the bottle.

Storage: Store at 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Protect from light. Do not use if solution contains crystals, cloudy, or discolored.

Patient Counseling Information

Eye Care Precaution

Do not touch the dropper tip to any surface as this may contaminate the solution.

Advise patients that, due to the effect of the anesthetic, their eyes will be insensitive for up to 20 minutes and that care should be taken to avoid accidental injuries.

Distributed by:
Bausch & Lomb Americas Inc.
Bridgewater, NJ 08807 USA

Manufactured by:
Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
Tampa, FL 33637 USA

© 2022 Bausch & Lomb Incorporated or its affiliates

9781000 (Folded)
9781100 (Flat)

PACKAGE/LABEL PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL- Carton 15 mL

NDC 24208-092-15

Tetracaine
Hydrochloride
Ophthalmic
Solution, USP
0.5%
(Sterile)

FOR OPHTHALMIC USE

Rx only

15 mL

BAUSCH + LOMB

9780900

Medical Disclaimer