What it's used for
Tetracaine is used for the temporary relief of pain and itching.
Source: U.S. FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA).
Typical dosing
For adults and children aged 2 years or older, apply to the affected area no more than three to four times daily.
Dosing shown here is the general FDA-labeled range. Your prescribing clinician determines the exact dose, form, and schedule for you — this is not a substitute for medical advice.
Boxed warning / key safety info
This product is for external use only, should avoid contact with eyes or mucous membranes, and must be kept out of reach of children.
Common side effects
See full FDA prescribing information for the complete adverse reaction profile.
Covered strengths on the Tab $0 list
Covered at $0 with an active Tab membership when filled at a participating pharmacy nationwide or through mail order. A licensed clinician must prescribe the medication.
Related medications
Other everything else medications covered at $0 with an active Tab membership.
Tetracaine cost without insurance
Cash prices for Tetracaine without insurance vary widely by pharmacy, strength and quantity — the same prescription can cost very different amounts at two pharmacies in the same town. That is the problem a membership solves.
Tetracaine is on Tab's covered $0 generic list. With an active Tab membership, every covered strength is $0 — not a percentage off, not a coupon that changes month to month — at participating pharmacies nationwide or through mail order. You do not need insurance, and Tab works whether or not you have a health plan.
Tab is a membership, not insurance. Covered medications require a prescription from a licensed clinician.
Tetracaine dosage and administration
One drop topically in the eye(s) as needed. Discard unused portion. ( 2.1 ) 2.1 Topical Administration One drop topically in the eye as needed. Discard unused portion. 2.2 Sterile Field Administration Open package using standard aseptic technique. The DROP‑TAINER ® dispenser may then be allowed to fall upon a sterile surface. The entire outer surface of the DROP‑TAINER ® dispenser and its contents are sterile.
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. Your prescribing clinician decides the exact dose, form and schedule for you — this is not medical advice.
Tetracaine side effects
The following serious ocular adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Corneal injury with Intracameral Use [See Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Corneal Toxicity [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Corneal Injury due to Insensitivity [ See Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] The following adverse reactions have been identified following use of Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution 0.5%. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Ocular Adverse Reactions Transient stinging, burning, and conjunctival redness, eye irritation, eye pain, ocular discomfort.
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. This is not a complete list. Report side effects to your clinician, and seek care for anything severe or unexpected.
Common questions
Is tetracaine covered at $0 with Tab?
Yes. Tetracaine is on Tab's covered $0 generic list — every covered strength is $0 with an active membership, at participating pharmacies nationwide or by mail order.
Do I need insurance to get tetracaine through Tab?
No. Tab is a membership, not insurance. Covered medications are $0 with an active membership whether or not you have a health plan.
How do I get a tetracaine prescription with Tab?
Book a video visit with a licensed Tab clinician (unlimited visits are included with membership). If it's clinically appropriate, they send the prescription to your chosen participating pharmacy or by mail order.
How much does tetracaine cost without insurance?
Without insurance, retail cash prices for tetracaine vary by pharmacy, strength and quantity. Tetracaine is on Tab's covered $0 generic list, so every covered strength is $0 with an active Tab membership at participating pharmacies nationwide or by mail order.
What is the cheapest way to get tetracaine?
For medications on Tab's covered list, a Tab membership is the cheapest route: covered strengths of tetracaine are $0 with an active membership, and unlimited video visits with a licensed clinician are included, so the visit that produces the prescription is covered too.
What is the usual dose of tetracaine?
One drop topically in the eye(s) as needed. Discard unused portion. ( 2.1 ) 2.1 Topical Administration One drop topically in the eye as needed. Discard unused portion. 2.2 Sterile Field Administration Open package using standard aseptic technique. The DROP‑TAINER ® dispenser may then be allowed to fall upon a sterile surface. The entire outer surface of the DROP‑TAINER ® dispenser and its contents are sterile. (FDA-approved label, retrieved 2026-09-15. Your clinician sets your dose.)
What are the side effects of tetracaine?
The following serious ocular adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Corneal injury with Intracameral Use [See Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Corneal Toxicity [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Corneal Injury due to Insensitivity [ See Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] The following adverse reactions have been identified following use of Tetracaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution 0.5%. (FDA-approved label, retrieved 2026-09-15.)
Tetracaine is $0 on the covered list
Members pay $0 for covered generics at participating pharmacies nationwide or by mail order — plus unlimited virtual primary care, urgent care and dermatology visits. No insurance needed.
Solo $49/mo · Family $119/mo for up to 4 people · Family+ $149/mo for up to 8
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