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Tetracaine Ophthalmic

Pontocaine

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Sourced from primary literature. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Drug Class

Ophthalmic

Routes

Ophthalmic

Indications

Topical anesthesia

Mechanism of Action

Ester-type local anesthetic that blocks nerve conduction by inhibiting sodium channels in sensory nerve endings of the cornea and conjunctiva.

Side effects & warnings

Longer duration than proparacaine (15-30 minutes). More stinging on instillation. Chronic use causes severe corneal toxicity. For diagnostic/procedural use only.

Species with Tetracaine Ophthalmic dosing data (2 dose rules)

Dog (Domestic)Rabbit (Domestic)

Evidence levels across 2 dose rules

Strong×1Moderate×1

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

Backed by 2 published primary sources

  • · Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed
  • · Gelatt KN, Veterinary Ophthalmology, 6th Ed

Sample dosing (1 of 2 cited rules)

Free-tier preview — dog and cat dosing. Pro and Student unlock all 2 species including reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine.

SpeciesRouteDoseFrequencyEvidenceSource
Dog (Domestic)Ophthalmic0 mg/kg1-2 drops; onset 30 sec, duration 15-30 minStrongGelatt KN, Veterinary Ophthalmology, 6th Ed

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Calculate Dosage for Tetracaine Ophthalmic