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Tetracaine drop
Tetracaine is a local anesthetic that blocks sodium channels in nerve cell membranes, preventing the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses.
Tetracaine is a local anesthetic that blocks sodium channels in nerve cell membranes, preventing the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses. Used for Topical anesthesia of the cornea and conjunctiva for ophthalmic procedures, Temporary relief of eye pain and discomfort.
At a glance
| Generic name | Tetracaine drop |
|---|---|
| Also known as | TetraVisc, Altacaine, AK-T-Caine and Pontocaine Ophthalmic |
| Sponsor | University of Miami |
| Drug class | Local anesthetic (ester) |
| Target | Voltage-gated sodium channels |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Ophthalmology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Tetracaine reversibly binds to and blocks voltage-gated sodium channels on the inner surface of nerve cell membranes, preventing depolarization and action potential propagation. This results in local anesthesia of the cornea and surrounding ocular tissues when applied topically as an ophthalmic drop. The drug has a rapid onset and intermediate duration of action suitable for ocular procedures.
Approved indications
- Topical anesthesia of the cornea and conjunctiva for ophthalmic procedures
- Temporary relief of eye pain and discomfort
Common side effects
- Corneal epithelial toxicity with prolonged use
- Transient stinging or burning upon instillation
- Allergic conjunctivitis
- Corneal scarring (rare, with chronic use)
Key clinical trials
- Durability of Three Monthly Loading Doses With Faricimab in Treatment-naïve Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration
- Comparison of 4 Methods of Eye Drops for Pupil Dilation in Diabetic Patients (NA)
- IN PATIENTS WITH CORNEAL ABRASIONS TREATED WITH COLLAGEN CORNEAL SHIELDS IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT SETTING (NA)
- Optimal Treatment Protocol for Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (NA)
- Optimal Treatment Protocol for Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty - Repeat Trial (NA)
- The Effects of Low Viscosity Chloroprocaine Ophthalmic Gel 3% on the Bactericidal Action of Povidone-Iodine (PHASE4)
- Epi-on CuRV and Epi-off aCXL Protocols in the Management of Keratoconus
- Real-world Incidence of Intraocular Inflammation Following Intravitreal Faricimab Therapy
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:
- Tetracaine drop CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Tetracaine drop updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of Miami portfolio CI