Amethocaine

Amethocaine

Amethocaine is a local anaesthetic. Local anaesthetics are drugs that remove feeling and pain, and numb a particular area of the skin.

(Also known as tetracaine)
Amethocaine is the active ingredient of amethocaine cream (Nappi code: 799211-028).
General information
Amethocaine is a local anaesthetic. Local anaesthetics are drugs that remove feeling and pain, and numb a particular area of the skin.
In South Africa amethocaine is registered for the numbing a localised area of the skin.
This medication does not cure the underlying condition, but simply keeps the symptoms under control. For it to be effective it has to be applied regularly.
Fast facts
Drug schedule: schedule 1
Available as: amethocaine is available as a cream
What does it do? Amethocaine is used for the numbing of a localised area of the skin, namely to desensitise the skin prior to injections or for relief of the pain/itch associated with viral infections.
Overdose risk: low
Dependence risk: low
Is amethocaine available as a generic? no
Is amethocaine available on prescription only? no
User information
Onset of effect: within 10 minutes
Duration of action: several hours
Stopping this medicine: treatment with this medication can be safely stopped when no longer needed.
Prolonged use: treatment should be limited to a few days only.
Special precautions
Consult your doctor before applying this drug to broken or inflamed skin
Pregnancy: avoid. Potential risk to the foetus has been reported. Consult your doctor before use, or if you are planning to fall pregnant.
Breastfeeding: avoid. It is unknown how this medication may affect your baby. Consult your doctor before use.
Porphyria: this medication is safe for use.
Infants and children: this medication is not intended for use in children under the age of 2 years.
The elderly: no special precautions need to be taken.
Possible side effects

Side Effect	Frequency		Consult your doctor
	Common	Rare	Only if severe	In all cases
stinging		X	X
burning		X	X
skin rash		X		X

Interactions
Drug interactions
No known interactions
Overdose action
A small overdose is no cause for concern. In case of intentional large overdose, seek emergency medical attention.
Recommended dosage
Adults, topical: Apply sparingly as needed, usually every 3 - 4 hours to the affected area.
This material is not intended to substitute medical advice, but is for informational purposes only. Please consult a physician for specific treatment and recommendations.

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