Ametop gel

Health and Nutrition > Medicines > A



How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient tetracaine (previously known as amethocaine in the UK), which is a type of medicine called a local anaesthetic. It is applied as a gel to an area of the skin where a needle has to be inserted into the vein (venepuncture or venous cannulation) for therapeutic purposes, such as extracting blood for laboratory tests. During this procedure, the trauma to the skin stimulates pain receptors present in the skin, which sends a message through the nerves to the brain (neuro-conduction). The brain then sends a message back down to the point of trauma and the sensation of pain is felt by the individual. This process usually occurs within a fraction of a second. Tetracaine acts by blocking the message from the pain receptors to the brain and hence blocks the sensation of pain. Therefore, tetracaine is applied 30-45 minutes prior to these procedures to "numb" the skin and minimise the amount of pain the individual may experience. The effect of tetracaine usually lasts for 4-6 hours. Tetracaine gel is usually applied with a dressing (supplied) over the top, to hold the gel in place.

What is it used for?

- Numbing a localised area of the skin

Warning!

- This preparation is for external use only.
- Do not apply for longer than 30-45 minutes
- Only apply to intact healthy skin.
- Blistering of the skin rarely occurs. If this happens, remove the gel immediately and contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Use with caution in

- Individuals requiring repeat applications of this gel

Not to be used in

- Allergy to local anaesthetics
- Application to the eyes or ears
- Broken skin or open wounds
- Infants under one month of age
- Lining of the body's cavities (mucous membranes)
- Premature infants

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- There is no information about the safety of this medicine during pregnancy, but it has been widely used for many years without apparent ill consequence.
- The manufacturer does not recommend the use of this medicine when breastfeeding, as there is no safety information available. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

- Flushing of the skin due to widening of the small blood vessels (erythema)
- Excessive fluid retention in the body tissues, resulting in swelling (oedema)
- Itching (pruritis)
- Sensitisation or allergic reaction
- Blistering of the skin at site of application

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use © Copyright 1998 - 2009 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved