Our skin is very sensitive, isn't it? The pain and itching that comes with sunburn, insect bites, or just a rash can be very annoying. So, Tetracaine is a medicine that doctors recommend to temporarily reduce skin pain and itching in times like these. It can come in the form of a gel, solution, or cream. Today, let's talk about this medicine called Tetracaine and the things we need to be careful about when using it.
What is Tetracaine?
Simply put, Tetracaine is an anesthetic that numbs the skin. Just like a doctor injects a numbing medication into your gums before extracting a tooth, this cream temporarily numbs the area, eliminating the pain and itching.
This is mainly used for minor skin problems. For example:
- For the pain of minor sunburns.
- For itching and pain caused by minor rashes and blisters on the skin.
- Reduce discomfort caused by other minor skin allergies or irritations.
You may see this medication under brand names like Pontocaine and Viractin. But whatever the name, don't use these without your doctor's advice.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before giving you this medicine, it is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition. Because in some cases this medicine may not be suitable for you. Be sure to tell them about the following things in particular:
- If you have large areas of burns, wounds, cuts, or damage to your skin .
- You have an enzyme deficiency called pseudocholinesterase deficiency . This is a complicated term. Simply put, it's a rare condition involving an enzyme that helps break down certain anesthetics. If you know you have one, be sure to tell your doctor.
- If there is a skin infection in the area where the medicine is to be applied.
- If you have allergies to Tetracaine, a compound called para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) (found in some sunscreens), other numbing medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives in medications.
- If you are pregnant , trying to get pregnant , or breastfeeding .
Sharing this information with your doctor is very important for your safety, so don't hide anything.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
This is a medicine for external use only. Do not put it in your mouth or swallow it for any reason. Use it exactly as your doctor tells you, and in the amount he tells you.
1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine.
2. Apply the medicine as a thin film only to the area of pain or itching. There is no need to rub it in thoroughly.
3. This is very important: Do not let this medicine get in your eyes, inside your ears, inside your nose, or inside your mouth . If you accidentally get it in your eyes, immediately rinse your eyes thoroughly with clean water for several minutes.
4. Do not apply more than the doctor has told you to. Don't do it thinking, "If you apply more, it will get better faster."
Use for young children
It is essential to consult a pediatrician before using this medicine on your young child. Children's skin is very sensitive and may require special care.
What if I overdose?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, or if someone has swallowed it, do not ignore it. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What do you do if you miss a medication appointment?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is very close to your next dose (e.g., within half an hour), skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Tetracaine can cause side effects in some people. Not everyone gets them, but it's important to be aware of them.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath. |
| Effects on the nervous system | Severe headache, dizziness, drowsiness, seizures/convulsions. |
| Changes in heart rate | Abnormally fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat (palpitations). |
| Other | Nausea, vomiting. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Minor skin changes | Burning, redness, or tingling sensation where the medicine is applied. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything different or unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
How to store the medicine?
- Be sure to keep it out of the reach and sight of small children.
- Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius). Do not store in very hot or very cold places.
- Do not refrigerate or freeze.
- Discard expired medication without using it.
Take-Home Message
- Tetracaine is a medicine that numbs the skin and temporarily reduces minor pain and itching.
- This should only be applied externally to the skin. Never let it come into contact with the eyes, mouth, or other mucous membranes.
- It is imperative to inform your doctor about any other medical conditions you have, especially liver disease and allergies, before taking the medication.
- If you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction (swelling of the face, difficulty breathing), severe dizziness, seizures, or changes in heart rate after applying the medicine, seek immediate medical attention.
- If you suspect an overdose, immediately go to the National Poisons Information Center or the nearest hospital ETU .
- If you have any other concerns about this medication, talk to your doctor about it. It's much safer than looking up information on the internet.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What is Tetracaine / Pontocaine used for?
This is not your average painkiller! This is a very strong local anesthetic (comes in the form of a cream, lotion, or eye drop) that is designed to numb/temporarily numb an area of the skin, throat, or eye. It is often used to completely eliminate severe pain when doctors insert a large catheter/tube into the throat or during minor skin procedures.
💬 How does applying this medicine (Tetracaine) completely eliminate the pain of a needle prick?
It's like unplugging a TV! In order for the nerves in our skin to send the message that it's 'hurt' to the brain, they must open their 'Sodium Channels' and send electricity (Action potentials). When this medicine is applied, it goes through the skin and 'completely blocks/closes' all the sodium channels in the nerves. Since there's no way for the message to get through, the patient's brain doesn't even feel the cut.
💬 Why is it said that this numbing medicine should not be applied to large areas or wounds (Toxicity)?
That is the most dangerous (and deadly) danger of this (Systemic Anesthetic Toxicity)! Never apply this to 'broken/peeled' skin or to a large area! Doing so will increase the amount of medicine absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the skin, causing the patient to have severe seizures/fits (seizures) and possibly die from cardiac arrest/asphyxiation (especially in young children).
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