Tetracaine
Also known as: Amethocaine, Minims Amethocaine
**Tetracaine** is a fast-acting numbing drop used by your veterinarian to examine your pet's eyes or perform minor procedures. * **Not for home use:** This medication is never prescribed for pain relief at home. Repeated use can cause severe, irreversible damage to the surface of the eye (cornea) and prevent normal healing. * Your pet may experience brief stinging, squinting, or redness immediately after the drops are applied.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Local anaesthesia of the ocular surface
- Local anaesthesia of the ocular surface
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Marked conjunctival irritation
- Chemosis
- Pain on application
- Corneal epithelial toxicity
- Delayed healing of corneal ulcers
Cautions & contraindications
- Therapeutic use (repeated administration for pain relief)
- Application prior to a Schirmer tear test
- > **Diagnostic Interference:** Topical anaesthetics block reflex tear production and should **not** be applied before a Schirmer tear test. > **Corneal Toxicity:** All topical anaesthetics are toxic to the corneal epithelium. Repeated administration can severely delay the healing of ulcers and lead to corneal melting.
Frequently asked questions
What is Tetracaine used for in pets?
**Tetracaine** is a fast-acting numbing drop used by your veterinarian to examine your pet's eyes or perform minor procedures. * **Not for home use:** This medication is never prescribed for pain relief at home. Repeated use can cause severe, irreversible damage to the surface of the eye (cornea) and prevent normal healing. * Your pet may experience brief stinging, squinting, or redness immediately after the drops are applied.
Is Tetracaine safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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