Type of medicine: anesthetic
Generic and brand names: tetracaine hydrochloride, ophthalmic; Altacaine; Tetcaine; Tetravisc
This medicine, in the form of eyedrops, is used to cause numbness before and during eye surgery or other eye procedures.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
This medicine is given by a healthcare provider trained in the use of local anesthesia.
Do not rub or wipe your eyes until the effect of the medicine has worn off and the feeling in your eye has returned to normal.
Tell your healthcare provider if your eyes become irritated.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Dizziness, drowsiness, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, trouble breathing, unusual nervousness or muscle twitching; severe itching, burning, swelling, or redness of the eyes or eyelids that does not go away.
Other: Temporary stinging, burning, or redness in your eye; blurred vision; sensitive to light.
No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, do not use steroid eyedrops at the same time unless your healthcare provider approves.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
