About this product

Dosage and Administration
One drop as required. Further drops may be needed to achieve a complete anaesthetic effect; if this is required,
instillation must be strictly as recommended and supervised by the treating physician. Each Minims Tetracaine
(Amethocaine) Eye Drops unit should be discarded after a single use.

Contraindications
Patients with hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation, patients being treated with sulphonamides
and premature babies. Chronic use of local anaesthetic drops to the eye is contraindicated as repeated instillations have
been associated with corneal damage.

Precautions
For topical ophthalmic use only. Not for injection. The cornea may be damaged by prolonged or frequent application of
anaesthetic eye drops. To avoid corneal damage, do not exceed the recommended dosage, especially in patients with
compromised corneas. Patients should be warned not to rub or touch the eye while anaesthesia persists. The
anaesthetised eye should be protected from dust and bacterial contamination. Tetracaine may give rise to allergic
reaction in hypersensitive patients. Use with caution in the elderly and in children.

Interactions
Tetracaine is metabolised to p-amino benzoic acid and can antagonise the actions of sulphonamides. Metabolism of
local anaesthetics derived from esters may be inhibited by anticholinesterases and thus prolong the effects of
tetracaine. Ester-type local anaesthetics may competitively enhance the neuromuscular blocking action of
suxamethonium. Avoid tetracaine use until after topical staining.

Pregnancy & Lactation
Safety for use in pregnancy and lactation has not been established, therefore, use only when considered essential.

Ability to Drive & Use Machines
The eye must be protected until normal sensation has returned, and patients should be warned not to drive or use
machines with impaired vision.

Adverse Effects
Local burning and stinging sensation upon instillation. Other adverse reactions such as blurred vision, keratitis,
hyperaemia, lacrimation and allergic conjunctivitis have been reported. Superficial punctate keratitis may occur due to
ineffective tearing. Severe keratitis is uncommon but could occur.

Storage
Store at 2 – 8°C. Protect from light.