Tetracaine hydrochloride
[CAS# 136-47-0]

Identification

• Classification: API >> Anesthetic agents >> Local anesthetics
• Name: Tetracaine hydrochloride
• Synonyms: 2-Dimethylaminoethyl 4-n-butylaminobenzoate hydrochloride; 4-(Butylamino)benzoic acid 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl ester hydrochloride
• Molecular Formula: C₁₅H₂₄N₂O₂.HCl
• Molecular Weight: 300.83
• CAS Registry Number: 136-47-0
• EC Number: 205-248-5
• SMILES: CCCCNC1=CC=C(C=C1)C(=O)OCCN(C)C.Cl

Properties

• Solubility: 10 mM (DMSO)
• Melting point: 149 °C

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS05;GHS07;GHS08 Danger
• Risk Statements: H301-H317-H319-H370
• Safety Statements: P260-P261-P264-P264+P265-P270-P272-P280-P301+P316-P302+P352-P305+P351+P338-P308+P316-P321-P330-P333+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H301
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1	H317
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	1	H370
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Respiratory sensitization	Resp. Sens.	1	H334
Carcinogenicity	Carc.	2	H351
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	2	H411
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335

• Transport Information: UN 2811

Discovery and Applications

Tetracaine hydrochloride is a local anesthetic that was first synthesized by German chemist Otto Eisleb in the early 20th century. It belongs to the ester local anesthetic family and is a derivative of p-aminobenzoic acid. Its discovery marked a major advancement in pain management and has become a valuable compound in medical practice.

Tetracaine hydrochloride is widely used as a local anesthetic for the surface anesthesia of mucous membranes such as the eye, nose, throat, and genital area. It is used in procedures such as intraocular pressure measurement, cataract removal, and corneal manipulation. Tetracaine eye drops provide rapid and effective anesthesia, minimizing discomfort during eye examinations and surgeries.

In dentistry, tetracaine hydrochloride is used for local infiltration anesthesia to numb specific areas of the mouth during dental procedures such as tooth extractions, fillings, and root canal treatments. Tetracaine hydrochloride injections provide deep anesthesia, making dental procedures painless and improving patient comfort.

Tetracaine hydrochloride is also used for spinal anesthesia, commonly known as spinal blocks or subarachnoid blocks. It is injected into the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the spinal cord to produce anesthesia from the waist down, helping to maintain painlessness during childbirth or surgery in the lower abdomen, pelvis, and lower extremities.

Tetracaine hydrochloride can be used for local anesthesia, such as nerve blocks and epidural anesthesia, to block sensation in specific parts of the body. It is administered near nerves or nerve bundles to provide targeted anesthesia for surgery or pain management, including plastic surgery, nerve-related pain syndromes, and obstetric anesthesia during childbirth.

Tetracaine hydrochloride is suitable for minor surgeries that require local or regional anesthesia, such as skin excisions, wound repairs, and outpatient surgeries. Its rapid onset and long duration of action make it an effective option for short-term surgeries that do not require general anesthesia.

Tetracaine hydrochloride is used in veterinary medicine to provide anesthesia and analgesia for animals undergoing surgical or medical interventions. It is commonly used for wound debridement, tooth extraction, and minor surgery for pets and livestock.

Tetracaine hydrochloride is added to pharmaceutical preparations such as creams, gels, and sprays for local anesthesia and analgesia. These preparations are used for minor skin surgeries, insect bites, sunburns, and other situations where temporary anesthesia or relief of discomfort is needed.

References

1991. Cauda Equina Syndrome After Continuous Spinal Anesthesia. Anesthesia and Analgesia, 72(3).
DOI: 10.1213/00000539-199103000-00001

2023. Anesthesia Considerations in Office-Based and OR-Based Laryngeal Surgery. Blue Laser Surgery in Laryngology.
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-35283-6_2

1984. Adsorption of local anesthetics on phospholipid membranes. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Biomembranes, 775(2).
DOI: 10.1016/0005-2736(84)90496-6