Health Library

Tetracaine/oxymetazoline (Into the nose)

Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride (ox-i-me-TAZ-oh-leen hye-droe-KLOR-ide), Tetracaine Hydrochloride (TE-tra-kane hye-droe-KLOR-ide)

Numbs the affected tooth before a dental procedure.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Spray

• A dentist will give you this medicine in a dental clinic. It is given as a spray into your nose on the same side to the maxillary tooth on which the dental procedure will be done.
• After 10 minutes of receiving the medicine, the dentist needs to perform a test drill to make sure that the affected tooth is already numb before starting the procedure.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how tetracaine/oxymetazoline works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Acetaminophen, chloroquine, metoclopramide, primaquine, quinine, sulfasalazine
  • Cancer medicine (including cyclophosphamide, flutamide, hydroxyurea, ifosfamide, rasburicase)
  • Beta blocker medicine
  • Medicine to treat an infection (including dapsone, nitrofurantoin, para-aminosalicylic acid, sulfonamide)
  • Medicine to treat depression (including MAO inhibitor, TCA)
  • Medicine to treat seizures (including phenobarbital, phenytoin, sodium valproate)
  • Nitrate or nitrite medicine (including nitric oxide, nitroglycerin, nitroprusside, nitrous oxide)
  • Other nasal medicines
• Avoid using other products containing oxymetazoline within 24 hours before the scheduled dental procedure.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart problems, lung or breathing problems, a blood disorder, a genetic disease (including G6PD deficiency, pseudocholinesterase deficiency), high blood pressure, thyroid problems, or a history of frequent nosebleeds.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Methemoglobinemia (blood problem)
  • High blood pressure
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Fast or slow, pounding heartbeat
• Fever, headache, pale skin, dizziness or lightheadedness
• Pale, gray, or blue lips, nails, or skin, dark urine, headache
• Stuffy or runny nose, nosebleeds
• Trouble swallowing or breathing
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Change or loss of taste

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024