Tetracaine Hydrochloride

**Semantic type:** Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** The hydrochloride salt form of tetracaine, 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:** - TETRACAINE HYDROCHLORIDE - Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution