tetracaine (injection) (Niphanoid, Pontocaine HCl)

Brand Names: Niphanoid, Pontocaine HCl

Generic Name: tetracaine (injection) (Pronunciation: TET ra kane)

• What is tetracaine (Niphanoid, Pontocaine HCl)?
• What are the possible side effects of tetracaine (Niphanoid, Pontocaine HCl)?
• What is the most important information I should know about tetracaine (Niphanoid, Pontocaine HCl)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving tetracaine (Niphanoid, Pontocaine HCl)?
• How is tetracaine given (Niphanoid, Pontocaine HCl)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Niphanoid, Pontocaine HCl)?
• What happens if I overdose (Niphanoid, Pontocaine HCl)?
• What should I avoid after receiving tetracaine (Niphanoid, Pontocaine HCl)?
• What other drugs will affect tetracaine (Niphanoid, Pontocaine HCl)?
• Where can I get more information?

Tetracaine is a local anesthetic (numbing medication). It works by blocking nerve signals in your body.

Tetracaine injection is given as an epidural injection into the spinal column to produce numbness during labor, surgery, or certain medical procedures.

Tetracaine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregiver right away if you have a serious side effect such as:

• feeling like you might pass out;
• tremors, severe drowsiness;
• weak or shallow breathing;
• severe headache, neck stiffness, increased sensitivity to light; or
• numbness, tingling, burning pain, or severe shooting pains anywhere in your body.

Less serious side effects may include:

• feeling nervous or excited;
• dizziness, drowsiness;
• chills;
• headache;
• blurred vision;
• nausea, vomiting; or
• ringing in your ears.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to tetracaine injection or any other type of numbing medicine.

Before you receive tetracaine, tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, any type of infection, hereditary angioedema or a history of allergic reactions, or a disease or medical condition that affects your brain or spinal cord.

Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs will be watched closely while you are receiving tetracaine injection.

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to tetracaine injection or any other type of numbing medicine.

To make sure you can safely receive tetracaine, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• high blood pressure;
• heart disease, heart rhythm disorder;
• any type of infection;
• hereditary angioedema or a history of allergic reactions; or
• a disease or medical condition that affects your brain or spinal cord.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether tetracaine will harm an unborn baby. Unless you are receiving this medication during labor and delivery, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether tetracaine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Tetracaine is given as an injection through a needle placed into an area of your middle or lower back near your spine. You will receive this injection in a hospital setting.

Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs will be watched closely while you are receiving tetracaine injection.

Spinal numbing medications can have long-lasting effects on certain body processes such as sexual function, bowel or bladder control, and movement or feeling in your legs or feet. Talk with your doctor about these effects.

Since tetracaine is given as needed before a surgery or other medical procedure, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule.

Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially sulfa drugs (Bactrim, Septra, Sulfatrim, SMX-TMP, and others).

There may be other drugs that can interact with tetracaine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about tetracaine.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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