TETRACAINE HCL

Drug Name: TETRACAINE HCL

TETRACAINE HCL DESCRIPTION:
TETRACAINE OPHTHALMIC DROPS (TET-ruh-cane)

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

TETRACAINE HCL SIDE EFFECTS:
TETRACAINE HCL 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 TETRACAINE HCL 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.

HOW TO USE TETRACAINE HCL:
TETRACAINE HCL: 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.

TETRACAINE HCL USES:
TETRACAINE HCL is used in the eye as an anesthetic to numb the pain that may occur during eye procedures.

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

TETRACAINE HCL 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.

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

TETRACAINE HCL NOTES:
Do not share TETRACAINE HCL with others.

MISSED TETRACAINE HCL DOSE:
If you miss a dose, consult your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

TETRACAINE HCL 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.