Supracaine

In the U.S.

• Cepacol Viractin
• Pontocaine

In Canada

• Supracaine

Available Dosage Forms:

• Cream
• Ointment
• Gel/Jelly
• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Anesthetic, Local

Chemical Class: Amino Ester

Tetracaine is used in different parts of the body to cause numbness or loss of feeling in some patients before having a medical test or procedure.

Tetracaine belongs to a group of medicines known as topical local anesthetics. It deadens the nerve endings in the skin. This medicine does not cause unconsciousness as general anesthetics do when used for surgery.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

This section provides information on the proper use of a number of products that contain tetracaine. It may not be specific to Supracaine. Please read with care.

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is for use on the skin only.

Be careful not to get any of this medicine in your nose, mouth, and especially in your eyes, because it can cause severe eye irritation. If any of the medicine does get into these areas especially the eyes, wash it with water and check with your doctor right away.

It is very important that your doctor check you closely for any problems or unwanted effects that may be caused by this medicine.

Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you have a skin rash, burning, stinging, swelling, or irritation of your skin.

Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated skin areas.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

• Blurred vision
• chest pain or discomfort
• confusion
• dizziness
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly
• fainting
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• lightheadedness or fainting
• no blood pressure or pulse
• no breathing
• numbness
• seizures
• shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
• shortness of breath
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• stopping of heart
• sweating
• trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
• unconsciousness
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

• Continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
• fear or nervousness
• hearing loss
• restlessness
• sleepiness

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.