Amethocaine

Uses

Amethocaine is a local anaesthetic agent used to induce local analgesia in the eyes and skin during medical procedures.

Ophthalmic tetracaine is indicated for the for procedures requiring a rapid and short- acting topical ophthalmic anesthetic.

The combination lidocaine and tetracaine patch is indicated for local dermal analgesia for superficial dermatological procedures and superficial venous access. The combination lidocaine and tetracaine cream is intended to provide topical local analgesia for superficial dermatological procedures.

Amethocaine is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Dermabrasion, Hemorrhoids, Insect Bites, Rash caused by poison ivy, Sunburn, Minor burns, Anesthetics, Local, Local Anesthesia of the Skin, Local anesthesia therapy

How Amethocaine works

Amethocaine is an ester-type anesthetic and produces local anesthesia by blocking the sodium ion channels involved in initiation and conduction of neuronal impulses.

Toxicity

The most common adverse effects with the combination cream are localized reactions such as: erythema (47%), skin discoloration (16%), and edema (14%). Systemic adverse events were less common, occurring at a rate of <1% and included vomiting, headache, dizziness, and fever. Similar to other amide and ester anesthetics, CNS excitation and/or depression may occur. It is not well known at which plasma concentration systemic toxicity occurs with tetracaine; however, the threshold is thought to be much lower than that of lidocaine which is 1000 ng/mL.

Food Interaction

Amethocaine Drug Interaction

Major: procaine penicillinModerate: lorazepam, midazolamUnknown: aspirin, charcoal, epinephrine, azithromycin, diphenhydramine, glucose, ethanol, lithium, morphine, acetaminophen, valproic acid, cyanocobalamin, riboflavin, pyridoxine, ascorbic acid, cholecalciferol, ondansetron

Volume of Distribution

Amethocaine is rapidly hydrolyzed in the plasma; therefore, volume of distribution could not be determined.

Elimination Route

Systemic absorption of anaesthetic from the combination cream is directly related to the duration and surface area of application. Although peak plasma concentrations for lidocaine were measured, plasma levels for tetracaine could not be determined due to low levels (<0.9 ng/mL)

Half Life

Amethocaine is hydrolyzed rapidly in the plasma; therefore, half-life has not been determined.

Clearance

Amethocaine is hydrolyzed rapidly in the plasma; therefore, clearance has not been determined.

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