Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

TETRACAINE OPHTHALMIC DROPS

(TET-ruh-cane)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): AK-T-Caine PF, Pontocaine

Uses

This medication is used in the eye as an anesthetic to numb the pain that may occur during eye procedures.

How To Use

To apply eye drops, wash hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface. Tilt your head back, gaze upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Place dropper directly over eye and administer the prescribed number of drops. Look downward and gently close your eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of the eye near the nose and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining away from the eye. Try not to blink initially and do not rub the eye. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace cap after use. If you are using another kind of eye drop, wait at least five minutes before applying other medications. Administer eye drops before eye ointments, to allow the eye drops to enter the eye. The usual dosage is 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye before the procedure.

Side Effects

This medication is generally very well tolerated. Stinging, tearing, swelling and sensitivity to light occur rarely. Blurred vision or pupil dilation are also unlikely, but possible. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Prolonged use of this medication may cause eye problems (corneal erosions), including slow eye (corneal) healing. Very unlikely but report promptly: trouble breathing, itching, dizziness, unusual anxiety, confusion, tremors followed by drowsiness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: allergies (especially drug allergies), heart or liver disease, high thyroid problems, myasthenia gravis. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. This medication is not recommended for prolonged use. Drowsiness is extremely unlikely with this medication, but caution is advised when performing activities requiring alertness. The medication should not be used if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you use. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, consult your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 46 and 80 degrees F (8-27 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Keep container tightly closed.