Aka Pontocaine Solution
Available in 2%, 4%, 6% Strengths
Tetracaine hydrochloride is an ester-type anesthetic that was sold under the brand name Pontocaine in a 2% solution. This particular formulation was discontinued in 2010 by its sole manufacturer, however it can still be obtained from our compounding pharmacy.
Tetracaine is used for surface anesthesia of the nose and throat, and to eliminate laryngeal and esophageal reflexes prior to bronchoscopy, bronchography, esophagoscopy, and more. The anesthetic effect takes about 5 to 10 minutes to occur. The area should be tested to ensure it is numb prior to performing a procedure. Profound anesthesia is possible that can last up to 30 minutes.
How to Get Pontocaine Solution
Park Compounding Pharmacy provides tetracaine solution either alone or in combination with the vasoconstricting agents phenylephrine or oxymetazoline (Afrin). The addition of a vasoconstrictor to the tetracaine solution can both decrease the maximum blood levels of the anesthetic and also prolong the anesthetic effects.
Available Formulations
- Tetracaine 2% (Pontocaine strength), 4%, and 6%
- Any of the above strengths with either phenylephrine 1% or oxymetazoline 0.05%
- Also available: Lidocaine with phenylephrine
Articles
Study of Topical Anesthesia During Bronchoscopy – CHEST Journal
Safety of topical tetracaine in patients undergoing flexible bronchoscopy. – Journal of Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology
Download Prescription Forms
Click on the link to view prescription forms. If you have not accessed the page before, please call us at (805) 497-8258 for a password and further instructions.
Prescription Forms
