TetraVisc Forte

In the U.S.

• Altacaine
• Tetcaine
• TetraVisc
• TetraVisc Forte

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution
• Ointment

Therapeutic Class: Anesthetic, Local

Chemical Class: Amino Ester

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

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. The eye drops are placed directly in the eye.

Your doctor will check your progress closely while you are receiving this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to receive it.

It is very important to protect your eye from injury while it is still numb. Do not touch or rub the eye. Do not use additional eye drops in the eye until your doctor tells you to. Protect your eye from dust particles, sand, or anything that might cause irritation.

• It is used to numb the eye.

Use TetraVisc Forte as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• For the eye only.
• Your doctor will give this medicine.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Many times TetraVisc Forte is given on an as needed basis.

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Change in eyesight, eye pain, or very bad eye irritation.

Do not touch dropper tip to any surface as this may contaminate the solution.  As with all anesthetics, continuous and prolonged use should be avoided.  Protection of the eye from irritating chemicals, foreign bodies and rubbing during the period of anesthesia is very important.  Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.5% should be used cautiously in patients with known allergy or cardiac disease.  If signs of sensitivity develop during the treatment or irritation  persists or increases, patients should be advised to discontinue use and consult prescribing physician.

Animal reproduction studies have not been performed with Tetracaine Hydrochloride.  It is also not known whether Tetracaine Hydrochloride can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction.  Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 0.5% should be given to pregnant women only if clearly needed.

Store at a room temperature, 15o-30o C (59o - 86o F).  Keep container tightly closed.