Tetracaine is a local anesthetic (numbing medicine). It works by blocking nerve signals in your body.

Pontocaine HCl is given as an epidural injection into the spinal column to produce numbness during labor, surgery, or certain medical procedures.

Tetracaine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not receive Pontocaine HCl if you are allergic to Pontocaine HCl or any other type of numbing medicine.

Tetracaine is given as an injection through a needle placed into an area of your middle or lower back near your spine. You will receive this injection in a hospital setting.

Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs will be watched closely while you are receiving Pontocaine HCl.

Spinal numbing medicines can have long-lasting effects on certain body processes such as sexual function, bowel or bladder control, and movement or feeling in your legs or feet. Talk with your doctor about these effects.

You should not receive this medicine if you are allergic to Pontocaine HCl or any other type of numbing medicine.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• high blood pressure;

• heart disease, heart rhythm disorder;

• any type of infection;

• hereditary angioedema or allergic reactions; or

• a disease or medical condition that affects your brain or spinal cord.

Unless you are receiving this medicine during labor and delivery, tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Since tetracaine is given as needed before a surgery or other medical procedure, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule.

Since Pontocaine HCl is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregiver right away if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• tremors, severe drowsiness;

• weak or shallow breathing;

• severe headache, neck stiffness, increased sensitivity to light; or

• numbness, tingling, burning pain, or severe shooting pains anywhere in your body.

Common side effects of Pontocaine HCl may include:

• feeling nervous or excited;

• dizziness, drowsiness;

• chills;

• headache;

• blurred vision;

• nausea, vomiting; or

• ringing in your ears.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• sulfa drugs (Bactrim, Septra, Sulfatrim, SMX-TMP or SMZ-TMP, and others).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect tetracaine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.