Drugs & Vitamins

Optocaine Active Ingredients: Tetracaine Ophthalmic Representative Names: AK-T-Caine, Optocaine, Pontocaine What is tetracaine eye solution? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with tetracaine eye solution? What side effects may I notice from receiving tetracaine eye solution? What do I need to watch for after I use tetracaine eye solution? Where can I keep my medicine? What is tetracaine eye solution? (Back to top) TETRACAINE (Pontocaine®, AK-T-Caine®) is drug that causes loss of feeling in the skin and surrounding tissues before and during suturing, certain eye examinations, or the removal of foreign bodies from the eye. Generic tetracaine eye ointments or solutions are not available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of the following conditions: •contact lenses •infection •pseudocholinesterase deficiency •an unusual or allergic reaction to tetracaine, other anesthetics, para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Tetracaine solution is applied to the eye. It is applied only by a trained health-care professional in a hospital, clinic, or physician's office. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) This does not apply. What drug(s) may interact with tetracaine eye solution? (Back to top) •sulfa drugs Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving tetracaine eye solution? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •skin rash, itching (hives) Very rare or uncommon when applied to the eye: •anxiety, restlessness •difficulty breathing, shortness of breath •dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness •nausea, vomiting •seizures (convulsions) •slow, irregular heartbeat (palpitations) •swelling of the face or mouth Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •burning, stinging, redness, or irritation in the eye •sensitivity to light •swelling of the eye or eyelid •watering of the eyes What do I need to watch for after I use tetracaine eye solution? (Back to top) Do not touch, wipe or rub your eyes after application of tetracaine. You can damage the eye while there is no feeling. The anesthetic effect will last about 20 minutes. Do not try and put contact lenses in your eyes until the anesthetic effects have completely cleared. Wash your hands if you do get tetracaine on your fingers. Do not use tetracaine eye ointment or solutions for a longer period of time than recommended by your prescriber. If your condition does not improve within a couple of days, call your prescriber or health care professional. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Do not use if the medicine contains crystals or the solution is cloudy. Last Updated:07/29/2005 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.