Amethocaine

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Amethocaine , also known as Tetracaine Hydrochloride, is a potent local anesthetic commonly used in medical and dental procedures to induce numbness or loss of sensation in targeted areas. It belongs to the ester class of local anesthetics and acts by blocking nerve signal transmission, preventing pain sensation. Amethocaine HCl BP is a crystalline white powder, highly soluble in water, and used in topical formulations such as creams, gels, sprays, and injections. Due to its rapid onset and intermediate duration of action, it is widely utilized for surface anesthesia before minor surgeries, endoscopic procedures, or dental treatments. It is approved by pharmacopeias including the British Pharmacopoeia (BP), ensuring compliance with quality and purity standards essential for pharmaceutical applications.

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Category: Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) Tags: Amethocaine HCL BP, Benzocaine hydrochloride, Local Anesthetic, Pain relief formulation

Description

Table of Contents

Amethocaine

Primary Uses

Medical & Dental Local Anesthesia

Used as a topical anesthetic for minor surgical procedures, including skin biopsies, suturing, and superficial excisions.
Employed in dentistry for numbing mucous membranes during tooth extractions, root canals, and other oral surgeries.
Applied before endoscopic procedures (e.g., bronchoscopy, cystoscopy) to minimize discomfort in mucosal linings.
Used to anesthetize the cornea in ophthalmologic examinations or surgeries.

Ophthalmology & ENT Procedures

Provides surface anesthesia for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures involving eyes, ears, nose, and throat.
Facilitates painless removal of foreign bodies and minor surgical interventions on mucosal surfaces.

Secondary Uses

Research & Laboratory Use

Utilized in pharmacological studies related to nerve signal transmission and anesthetic mechanisms.
Occasionally included in formulations for topical pain relief in veterinary medicine.

Pharmaceutical Formulations

Incorporated in compounded topical anesthetic creams and gels, often blended with other agents (e.g., lidocaine) to enhance efficacy.
Used in sprays and lozenges for temporary numbing of throat and oral mucosa.

KEY PRODUCT FEATURES

1. Basic Identification Attributes

Chemical Name (IUPAC): 2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl 4-(butylamino)benzoate hydrochloride
Common/Trade Names: Amethocaine HCl, Tetracaine Hydrochloride
CAS Number: 136-47-0
HS Code: 2924.99.90
Molecular Formula: C15H24N2O2·HCl
Synonyms: Tetracaine hydrochloride, Amethocaine hydrochloride BP

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical State: White crystalline powder
Color & Odor: White, odorless or faint aromatic odor
Melting Point: 146–149°C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: N/A (decomposes)
Density: ~1.1 g/cm³
Solubility: Freely soluble in water, alcohol, and chloroform
pH Level: Slightly acidic in aqueous solutions (~4–6)
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Flash Point: Not applicable (non-flammable solid)
Autoignition Temperature: N/A

3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

Hazard Class (GHS): Harmful if swallowed; causes serious eye irritation
NFPA Ratings: Health 2, Flammability 1, Reactivity 0
Exposure Limits: No specific OSHA PEL; handle as pharmaceutical-grade chemical
Reactivity: Stable under normal conditions
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizing agents, acids, and bases

4. Storage & Handling Attributes

Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place below 25°C, protected from light and moisture
Container Type: Sealed amber glass or plastic containers
Shelf Life: Typically 2-3 years if stored properly
Special Handling: Avoid inhalation and contact with skin or eyes; use gloves and protective eyewear

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

Regulatory Status: Listed in British Pharmacopoeia (BP) with strict purity standards
Transportation: Not classified as hazardous for transport when packaged properly
Waste Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with pharmaceutical waste guidelines

6. Environmental & Health Impact

Ecotoxicity: Limited data; handle as pharmaceutical waste to avoid environmental release
Persistence: Organic compound; biodegradable under environmental conditions
Carcinogenicity: No evidence of carcinogenicity
Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable in natural environments

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

PPE: Use gloves, safety goggles, and lab coats when handling powder or concentrated solutions.
Handling: Avoid dust formation and inhalation; work in a well-ventilated area or fume hood.
Storage: Keep tightly closed in original containers away from moisture and heat sources.
Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling; avoid eating, drinking, or smoking.

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air. If breathing difficulty occurs, seek medical attention.
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water. If irritation develops, consult a physician.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical help if irritation persists.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel; seek immediate medical assistance.

Firefighting Measures

Fire Hazards: Not flammable but may decompose at high temperatures releasing toxic fumes such as nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide.
Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or CO₂ extinguishers.
Precautions: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus due to toxic decomposition products.