MedicinePOMEssential

Tetracaine

Fast, short-acting numbing eye drops used for eye procedures.

Clinical information

Common uses

numbing the eye for short procedures

Common side effects

temporary stinging
burning
red eye
eye irritation
eye pain

Cautions

given by a healthcare provider — not for self-use
do not touch the eye for 10–20 minutes afterwards
prolonged use or misuse can permanently damage the cornea

Pregnancy: no adequate studies — safety not established

Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: DailyMed, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov, tetracaine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution label, setid 90ffa320-652b-442f-97fa-6d618439db79 (accessed 2026-08-16)

Approved brands & formulations1

Brand name	Dosage form	Strength	Importer	Category
Tetracaine	Ophthalmic preparations ( Drops )	0.005	—	POM