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TAC alternate gel
TAC alternate gel is a topical anesthetic formulation combining lidocaine, prilocaine, and other agents to provide local pain relief and numbing at the site of application.
TAC alternate gel is a topical anesthetic formulation combining lidocaine, prilocaine, and other agents to provide local pain relief and numbing at the site of application. Used for Local anesthesia for minor wounds and lacerations, Topical pain relief for minor surgical procedures.
At a glance
| Generic name | TAC alternate gel |
|---|---|
| Also known as | 20% TAC alternate gel |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston |
| Drug class | Topical local anesthetic |
| Target | Voltage-gated sodium channels |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Pain management / Emergency medicine |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
The gel works by blocking sodium channels in nerve fibers, preventing the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses in the area where it is applied. This produces local anesthesia and reduces pain sensation. TAC (tetracaine, adrenaline/epinephrine, cocaine) formulations have been used in emergency medicine and minor surgical procedures, though the 'alternate' formulation likely refers to a modified composition, possibly substituting cocaine with safer alternatives like lidocaine or prilocaine.
Approved indications
- Local anesthesia for minor wounds and lacerations
- Topical pain relief for minor surgical procedures
Common side effects
- Local skin irritation or erythema
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Systemic toxicity (if absorbed in large amounts)
Key clinical trials
- Clindamycin and Triamcinolone in People With Glioblastoma to Prevent Skin-Related Side Effects of Tumor Treating Fields (PHASE2)
- Comparative Efficacy of 20% Benzocaine Versus TAC Alternate Gel (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- TAC alternate gel CI brief — competitive landscape report
- TAC alternate gel updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston portfolio CI