Information for Caregivers

Tetracaine Gel for Local Anaesthesia

What is tetracaine gel?

Tetracaine gel contains 4% tetracaine. It belongs to topical anaesthetics which is used to numb the skin before needle required procedures, such as giving an injection, taking a blood sample and inserting a cannula into vein. It helps to relieve pain or discomfort and calm your child to facilitate a smooth procedure.

How much tetracaine gel should be used?

Your doctor or nurse will tell you how much gel to apply. Tetracaine gel should be applied to an intact skin area.

How to apply tetracaine gel?

Reserve sufficient application time before procedures to ensure enough time for effect.

1. Apply required quantity of gel onto the centre of planned injection site. Do not rub or spread out the gel.
2. Take out an occlusive dressing and cover the gel.
3. Stick the dressing edges carefully to avoid leakage.
4. Leave it on for 30-45 minutes or as recommended by your doctor or nurse.
5. Remove the dressings right before procedures.
6. Wipe off the gel with a tissue.

What are the safety precautions about tetracaine gel?

• Tell your doctor or nurse if your child has any allergies, congenital or idiopathic methaemoglobinaemia, skin problems; or if your child is currently taking any other drugs.
• Ensure the skin is clean and dry before application.
• Check the expiry date before use. Do not use if the gel is expired.
• If the procedure is delayed, the gel should be removed after maximum application time of 1 hour. The gel can only be repeated after 5 hours.
• Do not apply the gel to open wound or broken skin, eyes, ears or mouth, genital and anal areas.

When should tetracaine gel start working?

• The gel should make the treated skin area numb after 30-45 mins of application.
• The skin will stay numb for 4-6 hours after removal.

What if I forget to apply tetracaine gel?

If you forget to apply the gel or you applied it late, inform your doctor or nurse. They may decide to delay the procedure. Do not apply extra amount of the gel.

What are possible side effects of tetracaine gel?

• Mild and transient local reactions may occur at application site:
  • Temporary redness, itching or swelling
• Rare but severe side effects (Immediately remove the gel and inform your doctor or nurse if happened):
  • Prolonged or severe skin reactions, such as vesicles and blistering
  • Severe itching or swelling
  • Allergic reactions, such as rash, feeling faint, shortness of breath, swelling of the face or tongue

How to store tetracaine gel?

• Keep out of reach from children.
• Store in fridge between 2-8˚C.
• For single use only. Discard any unused portion.

For any query, please seek advice from your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.

HKCH Department of Pharmacy and HKCH Sedation Committee
Version 1.0 Last updated: 07/2026