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Cepacol Viractin
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  • Cepacol Viractin (Topical application)

Cepacol Viractin (Topical application)

Generic name: tetracaine (topical application route) [ TE-tra-kane ]
Drug class:Topical anesthetics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 21, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

  • Cepacol Viractin
  • Pontocaine

In Canada

  • Supracaine

Available Dosage Forms:

  • Solution

Therapeutic Class: Anesthetic, Local

Chemical Class: Amino Ester

Uses for Cepacol Viractin

Tetracaine is used in different parts of the body to cause numbness or loss of feeling in some patients before having a medical test or procedure.

Tetracaine belongs to a group of medicines known as topical local anesthetics. It deadens the nerve endings in the skin. This medicine does not cause unconsciousness as general anesthetics do when used for surgery.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using Cepacol Viractin

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of tetracaine in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of tetracaine in geriatric patients.

Breastfeeding

Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other medical problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

  • Brain or spinal problems or
  • Eye problems or
  • Heart and blood vessel problems—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.
  • Infection at or near the place of application or
  • Large sores, broken skin, or severe injury at the area of application—The chance of side effects may be incr...