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Generic nameTETRACAINE HYDROCHLORIDE
Labeler / manufacturerBausch Health US LLC
RouteOPHTHALMIC
Drug classDrug class not supplied in source label
Product NDC0187-0920
Label effective date2025-12-05
Official product label reference
Tetracaine Hydrochloride — Bausch Health US LLC
This page contains 20 source sections for TETRACAINE HYDROCHLORIDE, ophthalmic route. Label set 78404c9e-9c31-4b0a-90f4-04182e82e183, version 2.
Label records can cover multiple strengths or package sizes. A label listing does not by itself establish FDA approval or current market availability. Check the source and application history for this specific product.
Uses described in the label
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.5% is indicated for procedures requiring a rapid and short-acting topical ophthalmic anesthetic. Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.5%, is an ester local anesthetic indicated for procedures requiring a rapid and short-acting topical ophthalmic anesthetic. ( 1 )
Dosage and administration — label text
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION One drop topically in the eye(s) as needed. One drop topically in the eye(s) as needed. ( 2 )
Forms and strengths
3 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. Sterile, preserved, ophthalmic solution containing 0.5% tetracaine hydrochloride. ( 3 )
Contraindications
4 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. Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.5%, should not be used in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any component of this preparation. ( 4 )
Warnings and precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Do not use intracamerally since use may damage corneal endothelial cells. ( 5.1 ) Prolonged use or abuse may lead to corneal epithelial toxicity and may manifest as epithelial defects which may progress to permanent corneal damage. ( 5.2 ) 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. ( 5.3 ) 5.1 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. 5.2 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. 5.3 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.
Adverse reactions
6 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. Ocular adverse events: transient stinging, burning, conjunctival redness, eye irritation, eye pain, ocular discomfort. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bausch Health US, LLC at 1-800-321-4576 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Special populations
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 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. 8.2 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%. 8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential No human data on the effect of Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.5% on fertility are available. 8.4 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. 8.5 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.
Pregnancy
8.1 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.
Children and adolescents
8.4 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.
Older adults
8.5 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.
Overdose information
10 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.
Product description
11 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 300.82 Active ingredient : tetracaine hydrochloride 0.5% w/v (equivalent to 0.44% w/v tetracaine) Preservative : chlorobutanol 0.4% Inactive ingredients : boric acid, potassium chloride, edetate disodium dihydrate, water for injection. Sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid may be added to adjust pH (3.7 – 6.0). chemstructure.jpg
Clinical pharmacology
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action Tetracaine blocks sodium ion channels required for the initiation and conduction of neuronal impulses thereby affecting local anesthesia. 12.3 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.
How it works
12.1 Mechanism of Action Tetracaine blocks sodium ion channels required for the initiation and conduction of neuronal impulses thereby affecting local anesthesia.
Pharmacokinetics
12.3 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
13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY 13.1 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.
Carcinogenesis and mutagenesis and impairment of fertility
13.1 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 in the label
14 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 )].
Supply and packaging
16 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 0187-920-05 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° to 25°C (59° to 77°F). Protect from light. Do not use if solution contains crystals, cloudy, or discolored.
The text is extracted from a US structured product label. Tables are represented as text where supplied; formatting and illustrations may be lost. A missing section does not mean a risk is absent. This reference has not been independently reviewed by a clinician and is not a live safety-alert service.