Tetracaine Hydrochloride (CAS 136-47-0)

Description

1. Comprehensive Pharmaceutical Overview
Tetracaine Hydrochloride (CAS 136-47-0) represents the gold standard in ophthalmic surface anesthesia, serving as the active pharmaceutical ingredient in professional numbing drops for eyes and various topical formulations. This ester-type local anesthetic provides rapid-onset, profound analgesia with an extended duration of action compared to other topical anesthetics. The hydrochloride salt form offers superior stability and water solubility, making it ideal for precise pharmaceutical compounding of tetracaine ophthalmic solution and other medical formulations.

2. Elite Technical Specifications

• Chemical Name: 2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl 4-(butylamino)benzoate hydrochloride
• Synonyms: Amethocaine Hydrochloride
• CAS Number: 136-47-0
• Molecular Formula: C₁₅H₂₄N₂O₂ · HCl
• Molecular Weight: 300.83 g/mol
• Appearance: White, crystalline, hygroscopic powder
• Purity: ≥99% (USP Grade, HPLC-verified)
• Solubility: Freely soluble in water (1:1), soluble in ethanol (1:30)
• Melting Point: 147-150°C
• pH: 4.5–6.5 (1% aqueous solution)
• Storage: Store in airtight, light-resistant containers with desiccant at 15-30°C

3. Authorized Applications & Uses
1. Ophthalmic Formulations

• Tetracaine eye drops for corneal anesthesia during tonometry and diagnostic procedures
• Tetracaine ophthalmic drops for foreign body removal and short surgical procedures
• Tetracaine hydrochloride 0.5% eye drops as standard concentration for ocular surface anesthesia
• Eye numbing drops for ophthalmological examinations and minor interventions

2. Veterinary Medicine

• Neomycin sulfate/tetracaine HCl/triamcinolone acetonide combinations for topical veterinary use
• Neomycin tetracaine/triamcinolone topical powder for dermatological conditions in animals
• Veterinary ophthalmic solutions for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures

3. Specialized Medical Compounding

• Tetracaine ear drops for otological procedures and surface anesthesia
• Topical anesthetic solutions for mucous membrane anesthesia
• Dermatological preparations for minor surgical and cosmetic procedures

4. Clinical & Pharmacological Profile

• Mechanism of Action: Potent voltage-gated sodium channel blockade
• Prevents neuronal depolarization and action potential propagation
• Rapid onset (30–60 seconds) with extended duration (45–60 minutes)

5. Critical Safety & Handling Information
WARNING: Tetracaine Hydrochloride is a potent local anesthetic with significant toxicity potential. Proper handling and professional use are mandatory.

Safety Protocols:

• Use appropriate PPE: nitrile gloves, lab coat, and safety goggles
• Handle in controlled pharmaceutical environments only
• Implement engineering controls for powder handling
• Follow strict aseptic techniques for formulation work

Professional Use Only:

• Not for over-the-counter consumer use
• Requires medical supervision for patient administration
• Tetracaine powder must be properly formulated before use
• Follow all applicable regulatory guidelines