Ester-type local anesthetic with slightly slower onset (60 sec) but longer duration (15–25 min) than proparacaine. More irritating on application but provides deeper anesthesia — preferred for some procedures.
At a glance
Class
Ophthalmic Topical Anesthetic
Storage
Refrigerate or room temperature; protect from light
Dosing
Same in-office indications as proparacaine: tonometry, foreign body removal, sam
Frequency
Single application for procedures
Same as dogs
Frequency
Single application
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Safety
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Tetracaine Ophthalmic?
Tetracaine Ophthalmic is a ophthalmic topical anesthetic used in pets. Ester-type local anesthetic with slightly slower onset (60 sec) but longer duration (15–25 min) than proparacaine. More irritating on application but provides deeper anesthesia — preferred for some procedures.
›What is Tetracaine Ophthalmic used for in pets?
Tetracaine Ophthalmic is used in veterinary medicine for: Same in-office indications as proparacaine: tonometry, foreign body removal, sam; Same as dogs.
›What is the Tetracaine Ophthalmic dose for dogs?
For dogs, Tetracaine Ophthalmic is typically dosed as follows — Same in-office indications as proparacaine: tonometry, foreign body removal, sam: undefined undefined Ophthalmic Single application for procedures. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Tetracaine Ophthalmic dose for cats?
For cats, Tetracaine Ophthalmic is typically dosed as follows — Same as dogs: undefined undefined Ophthalmic Single application. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Tetracaine Ophthalmic need a prescription?
Yes. Tetracaine Ophthalmic is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →References
References
The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.
Textbooks & handbooks — 5
- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)
Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
- AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
- ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
- RECOVER CPR Guidelines
Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2
- EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
- JVIM FAT CAT Study
Regulatory & approvals — 1
- CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
Databases — 1
- Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database