Tetracaine

Structural formula
General
Non-proprietary name	Tetracaine
other names	(2- (Dimethylamino) ethyl) -4- (butylamino) benzoate ( IUPAC ) ; Tetracainum ( Latin );
Molecular formula	C 15 H 24 N 2 O 2
Brief description	white to slightly yellowish waxy substance (tetracaine)
External identifiers / databases
EC number	202-316-6
ECHA InfoCard	100.002.106
PubChem	5411
ChemSpider	5218
DrugBank	DB09085
Wikidata	Q419608
Drug information
ATC code	N01 BA03 ; C05 AD02 ; D04 AB06 ; S01 HA03 ;
Drug class	Local anesthetic
Mechanism of action	Blockade of voltage-dependent sodium channels
properties
Molar mass	264.37 g · mol -1
Melting point	41–46 ° C (tetracaine) ; 147–150 ° C (hydrochloride) ;
safety instructions
	Please note the exemption from the labeling requirement for drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, food and animal feed
H and P phrases	H: 301-317-351
	P: 280-281-301 + 310
Toxicological data	6 mg kg −1 ( LD 50 , mouse , iv , tetracaine) ; 300 mg kg −1 ( LD 50 , mouse , oral , tetracaine) ; 6 mg kg −1 ( LD 50 , rat , iv , tetracaine) ; 35 mg kg −1 ( LD 50 , mouse , sc , hydrochloride) ; 70 mg kg −1 ( LD 50 , mouse , ip , hydrochloride) ; 6.6 mg kg −1 ( LD 50 , mouse , iv , hydrochloride) ; 4.5 mg kg −1 ( LD 50 , rat , iv , hydrochloride) ;
	As far as possible and customary, SI units are used. Unless otherwise noted, the data given apply to standard conditions .

Tetracaine is used as a surface anesthetic for mucous membranes - for example for small operations in the mouth or nose. The effect lasts for several hours. It is about ten times more effective than procaine , but also ten times more toxic, which is why the maximum single dose of 20 mg must not be exceeded when used. If there are injuries to the mucous membrane, the absorption takes place very quickly, so that there is a risk of overdosing with poisoning. Lidocaine , which has the same mechanism of action as tetracaine, is therefore used more frequently .

After being applied to the nasal mucosa, tetracaine reaches the rami alveolares ( superior anterior alveolar nerve and superior alveolar nerve medius ) which run underneath and which supply the teeth of the upper jaw with sensitivity. In a fixed combination with the vasoconstricting oxymetazoline it can be used as a nasal spray for minor procedures in dentistry for local anesthesia in the upper jaw.

Tetracaine was developed by employees of the Hoechster Farbwerke belonging to the IG Farben group and was first marketed in 1931 under the name Pantocain as a surface anesthetic agent.

Trade names

Monopreparations

Ophtocain (D), Gingicain (D), Tetracaine SDU Faure 1% (CH)

Combination preparations

with lidocaine : Pliaglis (D, A, CH), Rapydan (A, D)
with oxymetazoline : Kovanaze (USA)

Individual evidence

↑ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j Entry on tetracaine. In: Römpp Online . Georg Thieme Verlag, accessed on August 18, 2011.
↑ ^a ^b Datasheet Tetracaine from Sigma-Aldrich , accessed on April 24, 2011 ( PDF ).
^ FDA Approved Drug Products - Kovanaze

[roempp-1] ↑ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j Entry on tetracaine. In: Römpp Online . Georg Thieme Verlag, accessed on August 18, 2011.

[Sigma-2] Datasheet Tetracaine from Sigma-Aldrich , accessed on April 24, 2011 ( PDF ).

[3] FDA Approved Drug Products - Kovanaze