Tetracaine: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 10:46, 15 February 2025

Tetracaine[edit]

Tetracaine is a potent local anesthetic of the ester type, primarily used in ophthalmology and as a topical anesthetic in various medical procedures. It is known for its long duration of action and is often used when a prolonged anesthetic effect is desired.

Chemical Properties[edit]

Tetracaine is chemically classified as an ester of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA). Its chemical formula is C15H24N2O2, and it is known for its high lipid solubility, which contributes to its potency and duration of action. The molecular structure of tetracaine includes an aromatic ring, which is essential for its anesthetic properties.

Mechanism of Action[edit]

Tetracaine works by blocking sodium channels in the neuronal cell membrane, which inhibits the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses. This blockade prevents the transmission of pain signals to the brain, resulting in a loss of sensation in the targeted area.

Clinical Uses[edit]

Tetracaine is used in various medical settings, including:

Ophthalmology: As a topical anesthetic for procedures such as tonometry, gonioscopy, and removal of foreign bodies from the eye.
Dermatology: In combination with other agents, it is used for local anesthesia in minor surgical procedures and skin biopsies.
Spinal Anesthesia: Tetracaine is used in spinal anesthesia for surgeries requiring a longer duration of anesthesia.

Side Effects[edit]

Common side effects of tetracaine include:

Local irritation or redness at the site of application
Allergic reactions, particularly in individuals sensitive to ester-type anesthetics
Systemic toxicity, which can occur if the drug is absorbed in large amounts, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, tremors, or seizures.

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Tetracaine''' (also known as '''amethocaine''') is a potent local anesthetic of the ester group. It is mainly used topically in ophthalmology and as an antipruritic, and it has been used in spinal anesthesia.
+== Tetracaine ==
-==Pharmacology==
+[[File:Tetracaine2DCSD.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of Tetracaine]]
-Tetracaine is a local anesthetic that acts by inhibiting the influx of sodium ions into nerve cells, thereby preventing the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses. This results in a loss of sensation.
-==Medical uses==
+'''Tetracaine''' is a potent local [[anesthetic]] of the [[ester]] type, primarily used in ophthalmology and as a topical anesthetic in various medical procedures. It is known for its long duration of action and is often used when a prolonged anesthetic effect is desired.
-Tetracaine is used in different concentrations for different purposes. In ophthalmology, it is often used in 0.5% concentration for procedures such as cataract surgery. It is also used as an antipruritic, especially in the treatment of eczema and other skin conditions.
-==Side effects==
+== Chemical Properties ==
-The most common side effects of tetracaine are minor and include redness, swelling, and itching at the application site. More serious side effects can occur if the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream, including slow or irregular heartbeat, seizures, and difficulty breathing.
-==History==
+Tetracaine is chemically classified as an ester of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA). Its chemical formula is C15H24N2O2, and it is known for its high lipid solubility, which contributes to its potency and duration of action. The molecular structure of tetracaine includes an aromatic ring, which is essential for its anesthetic properties.
-Tetracaine was first synthesized in Germany in 1928 and was introduced into medical use in the United States in the 1940s.
+== Mechanism of Action ==
+Tetracaine works by blocking [[sodium channels]] in the neuronal cell membrane, which inhibits the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses. This blockade prevents the transmission of pain signals to the brain, resulting in a loss of sensation in the targeted area.
+== Clinical Uses ==
+Tetracaine is used in various medical settings, including:
+* '''Ophthalmology''': As a topical anesthetic for procedures such as tonometry, gonioscopy, and removal of foreign bodies from the eye.
+* '''Dermatology''': In combination with other agents, it is used for local anesthesia in minor surgical procedures and skin biopsies.
+* '''Spinal Anesthesia''': Tetracaine is used in spinal anesthesia for surgeries requiring a longer duration of anesthesia.
+== Side Effects ==
+Common side effects of tetracaine include:
+* Local irritation or redness at the site of application
+* Allergic reactions, particularly in individuals sensitive to ester-type anesthetics
+* Systemic toxicity, which can occur if the drug is absorbed in large amounts, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, tremors, or seizures.
+== Related Pages ==
-==See also==
 * [[Local anesthetic]]
-* [[Ester]]
+* [[Sodium channel]]
 * [[Ophthalmology]]
-* [[Antipruritic]]
 * [[Spinal anesthesia]]
-==References==
+[[Category:Anesthetics]]
-<references />
+[[Category:Ophthalmology]]
+[[Category:Pharmacology]]
-[[Category:Local anesthetics]]
-[[Category:Esters]]
-[[Category:World Health Organization essential medicines]]
-[[Category:Drugs with non-standard legal status]]
-{{stub}}