Tetracaine

**Semantic type:** Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** A benzoate ester with anesthetic properties. Upon administration, tetracaine reversibly binds voltage-gated sodium ion channels in neuronal cell membranes and inhibits sodium influx. This prevents the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses, and stabilizes neuronal membranes. This results in a loss of sensation, and thereby provides analgesia and anesthesia.

**Synonyms:** - 2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl p-(butylamino)benzoate - Benzoic Acid, 4-(Butylamino)-, 2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl Ester - TETRACAINE