Cetacaine ® Topical Anesthetic GEL

Manufacturer
Cetylite Industries, Inc.
Effective date
2022-01-17
Label type
HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG LABEL
Version
6
Source
full-release
Hydrated at
2026-05-31 20:39:03

Label at a glance#

ProductCetacaine Topical Anesthetic
Active ingredientBenzocaine, Butamben, Tetracaine Hydrochloride
Label structure13 sections

Dosage and administration

Only a limited quantity of Cetacaine Topical Anesthetic Gel is required for anesthesia. Dispense 200 mg of gel (a bead approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inches long) by gently depressing the pump. Dispensing a bead of gel in excess of 400 mg is contraindicated. Spread thinly and evenly over the desired area using a cotton swab. In the unlikely event that a Cetacaine Gel pump jar won't dispense, attempt the following: Using...

Label contents#

Full prescribing information#

SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION

Rx Only

DESCRIPTION SECTION

Active Ingredients:
in a base consisting of polyethylene glycol, purified water, saccharin, cetyldimethylethylammonium bromide, flavoring and color
Benzocaine14.0%
Butamben2.0%
Tetracaine Hydrochloride2.0%

Action

MECHANISM OF ACTION SECTION

The onset of Cetacaine Topical Anesthetic Gel produced anesthesia is rapid (approximately 30 seconds) and the duration of anesthesia is typically 30-60 minutes, when used as directed. This effect is due to the rapid onset, but short duration of action of Benzocaine coupled with the slow onset, but extended duration of Tetracaine HCl and bridged by the intermediate action of Butamben.

It is believed that all of these agents act by reversibly blocking nerve conduction. Speed and duration of action is determined by the ability of the agent to be absorbed by the mucous membrane and nerve sheath and then to diffuse out, and ultimately be metabolized (primarily by plasma cholinesterases) to inert metabolites which are excreted in the urine.

Indications

INDICATIONS & USAGE SECTION

Cetacaine Topical Anesthetic Gel is a topical anesthetic indicated for the production of anesthesia of all accessible mucous membrane except the eyes. Cetacaine Topical Anesthetic Gel is indicated for use to control pain and for use for surgical or endoscopic procedures, or other procedures in the ear, nose, mouth, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and esophagus. It may also be used for vaginal or rectal procedures where feasible.

Dosage and Administration

DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION SECTION

Only a limited quantity of Cetacaine Topical Anesthetic Gel is required for anesthesia.

Dispense 200 mg of gel (a bead approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inches long) by gently depressing the pump. Dispensing a bead of gel in excess of 400 mg is contraindicated. Spread thinly and evenly over the desired area using a cotton swab.

In the unlikely event that a Cetacaine Gel pump jar won't dispense, attempt the following:

  1. Using a gloved hand, depress the pump fully using the thumb and middle finger.
  2. While depressed, cover the center orifice with the index finger.
  3. With the orifice still covered, slowly allow the pump to return to its original starting position.
  4. Repeat until Cetacaine Gel is dispensed (usually about 3-4 repeated attempts).

An appropriate pediatric dosage has not been established for Cetacaine Topical Anesthetic Gel.

Dosages should be reduced in the debilitated elderly, acutely ill, and very young patients.

Do not use Cetacaine Gel to treat infants or children younger than 2 years.

Tissue need not be dried prior to application of Cetacaine Topical Anesthetic Gel.

Cetacaine Topical Anesthetic Gel should be applied directly to the site where pain control is required. Anesthesia is produced in approximately 30 seconds with an approximate duration of thirty to sixty minutes. Each 200 mg dose of Cetacaine Topical Anesthetic Gel contains 28 mg of benzocaine, 4 mg of butamben and 4 mg of tetracaine HCl.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

WARNINGS SECTION

Methemoglobinemia

SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION

Cases of methemoglobinemia have been reported in association with local anesthetic use. Although all patients are at risk for methemoglobinemia, patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, congenital or idiopathic methemoglobinemia, cardiac or pulmonary compromise, infants under 6 months of age, and concurrent exposure to oxidizing agents or their metabolites are more susceptible to developing clinical manifestations of the condition. If local anesthetics must be used in these patients, close monitoring for symptoms and signs of methemoglobinemia is recommended.

Signs and symptoms of methemoglobinemia may occur immediately or may be delayed some hours after exposure and are characterized by a cyanotic skin discoloration and abnormal coloration of the blood. Methemoglobin levels may continue to rise; therefore, immediate treatment is required to avert more serious central nervous system and cardiovascular adverse effects, including seizures, coma, arrhythmias, and death. Discontinue Cetacaine and any other oxidizing agents. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, patients may respond to supportive care, i.e., oxygen therapy, hydration.

More severe symptoms may require treatment with methylene blue, exchange transfusion, or hyperbaric oxygen.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

DRUG INTERACTIONS SECTION

Patients that are administered local anesthetics may be at increased risk of developing methemoglobinemia when concurrently exposed to the following oxidizing agents:

ClassExamples
Nitrates/Nitritesnitroglycerin, nitroprusside, nitric oxide, nitrous oxide
Local anestheticsbenzocaine, lidocaine, bupivacaine, mepivacaine, tetracaine, prilocaine, procaine, articaine, ropivacaine
Antineoplastic agentscyclophosphamide, flutamide, rasburicase, ifosfamide, hydroxyurea
Antibioticsdapsone, sulfonamides, nitrofurantoin, para-aminosalicylic acid
Antimalarialschloroquine, primaquine
Anticonvulsantsphenytoin, sodium valproate, phenobarbital
Other drugsacetaminophen, metoclopramide, sulfa drugs (i.e., sulfasalazine), quinine

PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

Inform patients that use of local anesthetics may cause methemoglobinemia, a serious condition that must be treated promptly. Advise patients or caregivers to stop use and seek immediate medical attention if they or someone in their care experience the following signs or symptoms: pale, gray, or blue colored skin (cyanosis); headache; rapid heart rate; shortness of breath; lightheadedness; or fatigue.

Hypersensitivity Reactions

SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION

Unpredictable adverse reactions (i.e. hypersensitivity, including anaphylaxis) are extremely rare. Localized allergic reactions may occur after prolonged or repeated use of any aminobenzoate anesthetic. The most common adverse reaction caused by local anesthetics is contact dermatitis characterized by erythema and pruritus that may progress to vesiculation and oozing. This occurs most commonly in patients following prolonged self-medication, which is contraindicated. If rash, urticaria, edema, or other manifestations of allergy develop during use, the drug should be discontinued. To minimize the possibility of a serious allergic reaction, Cetacaine Topical Anesthetic Gel should not be applied for prolonged periods except under continual supervision. Dehydration of the epithelium or an escharotic effect may also result from prolonged contact.

Use in Pregnancy

PREGNANCY SECTION

Safe use of Cetacaine Topical Anesthetic Gel has not been established with respect to possible adverse effects upon fetal development. Therefore, Cetacaine Topical Anesthetic Gel should not be used during early pregnancy, unless in the judgement of a physician, the potential benefits outweigh the unknown hazards. Routine precaution for the use of any topical anesthetic should be observed when Cetacaine Topical Anesthetic Gel is used.

Contraindications

CONTRAINDICATIONS SECTION

Do not use Cetacaine Gel to treat infants or children younger than 2 years. Cetacaine is not suitable and should never be used for injection. Do not use on the eyes. To avoid excessive systemic absorption, Cetacaine Topical Anesthetic Gel should not be applied to large areas of denuded or inflamed tissue. Cetacaine Topical Anesthetic Gel should not be administered to patients who are hypersensitive to any of its ingredients or to patients known to have cholinesterase deficiencies. Tolerance may vary with status of the patient.

Cetacaine Topical Anesthetic Gel should not be used under dentures or cotton rolls, as retention of the active gel ingredients under a denture or cotton roll could possibly cause an escharotic effect. Routine precaution for the use of any topical anesthetic should be observed when using Cetacaine Topical Anesthetic Gel.

How Supplied

HOW SUPPLIED SECTION

Cetacaine Topical Anesthetic Gel (Strawberry), 32 g jar
NDC 10223-0217-3
Item# 0217

Cetacaine Topical Anesthetic Gel (Mint), 32 g jar
NDC 10223-0221-1
Item# 0221

SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION

Made in USA

Cetylite Industries, Inc.
Pennsauken, NJ 08110
www.cetacaine.com

Rev. 10/18

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 32 g Jar Box - Strawberry

PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

NDC 10223-0217-3
Item# 0217

Cetacaine®
Topical Anesthetic GEL

(14% Benzocaine, 2% Butamben, and 2% Tetracaine Hydrochloride)

Indicated for anesthesia of all
accessible mucous membrane
except the eyes.

Strawberry Flavor

Net Contents: 32 g

Rev. 02/17

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 32 g Jar Box - Strawberry
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 32 g Jar Box - Strawberry

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 32 g Jar Box - Mint

PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

NDC 10223-0221-1
Item# 0221

Cetacaine®
Topical Anesthetic GEL

(14% Benzocaine, 2% Butamben, and 2% Tetracaine Hydrochloride)

Indicated for anesthesia of all
accessible mucous membrane
except the eyes.

Cool Mint Flavor

Net Contents: 32 g

Rev. 02/17

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 32 g Jar Box - Mint
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 32 g Jar Box - Mint

DailyMed RxNorm Mappings#

RxCUI, RxNorm string, TTY table
RxCUIRxNorm stringTTYSPL version
308645benzocaine 14 % / butamben 2 % / tetracaine 2 % Topical GelPSN6
209970Cetacaine 14 % / 2 % / 2 % Topical GelPSN6
209970benzocaine 0.14 MG/MG / butamben 0.02 MG/MG / tetracaine 0.02 MG/MG Topical Gel [Cetacaine]SBD6
308645benzocaine 0.14 MG/MG / butamben 0.02 MG/MG / tetracaine 0.02 MG/MG Topical GelSCD6
308645benzocaine 14 % / butamben 2 % / tetracaine 2 % Topical GelSY6
209970Cetacaine (benzocaine 14 % / butamben 2 % / tetracaine 2 % ) Topical GelSY6

DailyMed Pharmacologic Classes#

Class, Version, Type table
ClassVersionTypeEffective
BENZOCAINE Pharmacologic Class Indexing2Indexing - Pharmacologic Class20180813
TETRACAINE Pharmacologic Class Indexing2Indexing - Pharmacologic Class20180813

DailyMed Product Concepts#

Product concept, Relation, Version table
Product conceptRelationVersionEffective
a26f29b9-6919-4f09-a354-491df8d2b97dProduct name120251021
122d1fa8-7b9e-49b4-89ce-b062ffd1d947Product name120181030
a993dfc5-f219-4460-bde6-30dd724d9ef0Product name120160818
4d7ae718-ed00-bae8-2abe-9eaec1eef7ffProduct name120140508
9137811f-f279-8640-5aeb-99fa2145d64dProduct name120140508

DailyMed Package Descriptions#

Package NDC, Product, Description table
Package NDCProductDescriptionFormQuantityStrengthSPL version
10223-0217-3Cetacaine Topical Anesthetic32 g in 1 JARGEL326
10223-0217-3Cetacaine Topical Anesthetic1 in 1 BOXGEL16
10223-0221-1Cetacaine Topical Anesthetic1 in 1 BOXGEL16
10223-0221-1Cetacaine Topical Anesthetic32 g in 1 JARGEL326

DailyMed Dashboard NDC Coverage#

NDC, Dashboard title, SPL version table
NDCDashboard titleSPL versionValidationDashboard ZIP
10223-0217CETACAINE TOPICAL ANESTHETIC (BENZOCAINE, BUTAMBEN, AND TETRACAINE HYDROCHLORIDE) GEL [CETYLITE INDUSTRIES, INC.]6Current NDC, Legacy NDC, 2 package rows20220119_9777acbb-8166-4734-9932-dc66b05bfcb5.zip
10223-0221CETACAINE TOPICAL ANESTHETIC (BENZOCAINE, BUTAMBEN, AND TETRACAINE HYDROCHLORIDE) GEL [CETYLITE INDUSTRIES, INC.]6Current NDC, Legacy NDC, 2 package rows20220119_9777acbb-8166-4734-9932-dc66b05bfcb5.zip

DailyMed Billing Units#

Package NDC, Billing unit, Product NDC table
Package NDCBilling unitProduct NDCDailyMed indexing SPLSPL versionEffective
10223-0217-3GM - Gram10223-02170fb37a32-b5e8-4dac-9dea-6e5d0b054cff12021-07-15
10223-0221-1GM - Gram10223-02213b217164-98fc-403f-aeb1-9d98c3e3d05012022-01-06

DailyMed Socrata Ingredients#

Ingredient, Type, UNII table
IngredientTypeUNIISPL versionUploaded
BenzocaineACTIVE INGREDIENTU3RSY48JW52
ButambenACTIVE INGREDIENTEFW857872Q2
Tetracaine HydrochlorideACTIVE INGREDIENT5NF5D4OPCI2
BenzocaineACTIVE MOIETYU3RSY48JW52
ButambenACTIVE MOIETYEFW857872Q2
TetracaineACTIVE MOIETY0619F35CGV2
Benzalkonium chlorideINACTIVE INGREDIENTF5UM2KM3W72
Mecetronium bromideINACTIVE INGREDIENT7ZNQ7FIO9K2
Polyethylene GlycolsINACTIVE INGREDIENT3WJQ0SDW1A2
SaccharinINACTIVE INGREDIENTFST467XS7D2
WaterINACTIVE INGREDIENT059QF0KO0R2

Products#

Every source-derived product name is available through these pages.

DailyMed product names page 1 of 1 · 11 matching rows.

NDC Codes#

Product NDC, Package NDC table
Product NDCPackage NDC
10223-021710223-0217-3
10223-022110223-0221-1

Ingredients#

Every source-derived ingredient row is available through these pages.

DailyMed ingredient rows page 1 of 1 · 16 matching rows.

Source Document#

Source XML

Inactive ingredient matches#

Inactive Ingredient Database values describe FDA-listed use contexts. The match method and ambiguity count are shown because ingredient names, routes, and dosage forms are not always unique. Browse recovered IID releases and source provenance.

Inactive ingredient links page 1 of 1 · 36 matching rows.

DailyMed ingredient, IID ingredient, UNII table
DailyMed ingredientIID ingredientUNIIDosage form / routePotencyMaximum daily exposureMatch
Benzalkonium chlorideBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDEF5UM2KM3W7LOTION / TOPICAL0.1 %w/wExact identifier — unii+route
32 equally ranked IID candidates
SaccharinSACCHARINFST467XS7DOINTMENT / TOPICAL0.5 %w/wExact identifier — unii+route
4 equally ranked IID candidates
Benzalkonium chlorideBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDEF5UM2KM3W7CLOTH / TOPICALNAExact identifier — unii+route
32 equally ranked IID candidates
Benzalkonium chlorideBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDEF5UM2KM3W7SHAMPOO / TOPICAL0.2 %w/wExact identifier — unii+route
32 equally ranked IID candidates
Benzalkonium chlorideBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDEF5UM2KM3W7SOLUTION / TOPICAL0.02 %w/vExact identifier — unii+route
32 equally ranked IID candidates
Benzalkonium chlorideBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDEF5UM2KM3W7SHAMPOO / TOPICAL0.2 %w/wExact identifier — unii+route
32 equally ranked IID candidates
Benzalkonium chlorideBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDEF5UM2KM3W7CLOTH / TOPICALNAExact identifier — unii+route
32 equally ranked IID candidates
Benzalkonium chlorideBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDEF5UM2KM3W7GEL / OPHTHALMIC0.01 %w/wExact identifier — unii+dosage form
32 equally ranked IID candidates
Benzalkonium chlorideBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDEF5UM2KM3W7LOTION / TOPICAL0.1 %w/wExact identifier — unii+route
32 equally ranked IID candidates
Benzalkonium chlorideBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDEF5UM2KM3W7SUSPENSION/ DROPS / TOPICALNAExact identifier — unii+route
32 equally ranked IID candidates
Benzalkonium chlorideBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDEF5UM2KM3W7SOLUTION / TOPICAL0.02 %w/vExact identifier — unii+route
32 equally ranked IID candidates
Benzalkonium chlorideBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDEF5UM2KM3W7OINTMENT / TOPICAL0.03 %w/wExact identifier — unii+route
32 equally ranked IID candidates
Benzalkonium chlorideBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDEF5UM2KM3W7SHAMPOO / TOPICAL0.2 %w/wExact identifier — unii+route
32 equally ranked IID candidates
Benzalkonium chlorideBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDEF5UM2KM3W7SOLUTION/ DROPS / TOPICAL0.01 %w/vExact identifier — unii+route
32 equally ranked IID candidates
Benzalkonium chlorideBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDEF5UM2KM3W7SOLUTION / TOPICAL0.02 %w/vExact identifier — unii+route
32 equally ranked IID candidates
Benzalkonium chlorideBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDEF5UM2KM3W7CLOTH / TOPICALNAExact identifier — unii+route
32 equally ranked IID candidates
SaccharinSACCHARINFST467XS7DOINTMENT / TOPICAL0.5 %w/wExact identifier — unii+route
4 equally ranked IID candidates
Benzalkonium chlorideBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDEF5UM2KM3W7OINTMENT / TOPICAL0.03 %w/wExact identifier — unii+route
32 equally ranked IID candidates
Benzalkonium chlorideBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDEF5UM2KM3W7SOLUTION/ DROPS / TOPICAL0.01 %w/vExact identifier — unii+route
32 equally ranked IID candidates
Benzalkonium chlorideBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDEF5UM2KM3W7SOLUTION/ DROPS / TOPICAL0.01 %w/vExact identifier — unii+route
32 equally ranked IID candidates
Benzalkonium chlorideBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDEF5UM2KM3W7GEL / OPHTHALMIC0.01 %w/wExact identifier — unii+dosage form
32 equally ranked IID candidates
Benzalkonium chlorideBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDEF5UM2KM3W7SHAMPOO / TOPICAL0.2 %w/wExact identifier — unii+route
32 equally ranked IID candidates
Benzalkonium chlorideBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDEF5UM2KM3W7SOLUTION / TOPICAL0.02 %w/vExact identifier — unii+route
32 equally ranked IID candidates
Benzalkonium chlorideBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDEF5UM2KM3W7OINTMENT / TOPICAL0.03 %w/wExact identifier — unii+route
32 equally ranked IID candidates
Benzalkonium chlorideBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDEF5UM2KM3W7CLOTH / TOPICALNAExact identifier — unii+route
32 equally ranked IID candidates
SaccharinSACCHARINFST467XS7DOINTMENT / TOPICAL0.5 %w/wExact identifier — unii+route
4 equally ranked IID candidates
Benzalkonium chlorideBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDEF5UM2KM3W7GEL / OPHTHALMIC0.01 %w/wExact identifier — unii+dosage form
32 equally ranked IID candidates
Benzalkonium chlorideBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDEF5UM2KM3W7SUSPENSION/ DROPS / TOPICALNAExact identifier — unii+route
32 equally ranked IID candidates
Benzalkonium chlorideBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDEF5UM2KM3W7LOTION / TOPICAL0.1 %w/wExact identifier — unii+route
32 equally ranked IID candidates
SaccharinSACCHARINFST467XS7DOINTMENT / TOPICAL0.5 %w/wExact identifier — unii+route
4 equally ranked IID candidates
Benzalkonium chlorideBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDEF5UM2KM3W7SUSPENSION/ DROPS / TOPICALNAExact identifier — unii+route
32 equally ranked IID candidates
Benzalkonium chlorideBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDEF5UM2KM3W7SUSPENSION/ DROPS / TOPICALNAExact identifier — unii+route
32 equally ranked IID candidates
Benzalkonium chlorideBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDEF5UM2KM3W7LOTION / TOPICAL0.1 %w/wExact identifier — unii+route
32 equally ranked IID candidates
Benzalkonium chlorideBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDEF5UM2KM3W7GEL / OPHTHALMIC0.01 %w/wExact identifier — unii+dosage form
32 equally ranked IID candidates
Benzalkonium chlorideBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDEF5UM2KM3W7SOLUTION/ DROPS / TOPICAL0.01 %w/vExact identifier — unii+route
32 equally ranked IID candidates
Benzalkonium chlorideBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDEF5UM2KM3W7OINTMENT / TOPICAL0.03 %w/wExact identifier — unii+route
32 equally ranked IID candidates

openFDA label cross-check#

OpenFDA label data provides additional search and identifier links. DailyMed’s Structured Product Label is the canonical label on FDA.report. Matching records are deduplicated before they are shown below.

Matched openFDA labels page 1 of 1 · 1 matching rows.

Brand, Generic, Manufacturer table
BrandGenericManufacturerSPL set IDEffective dateAvailable safety fieldsJoin
Cetacaine Topical AnestheticBENZOCAINE, BUTAMBEN, AND TETRACAINE HYDROCHLORIDECetylite Industries, Inc.9777acbb-8166-4734-9932-dc66b05bfcb52022-01-17WarningsExact identifier
ndc (package): 10223-0221-1
ndc (package): 10223-0217-3
ndc (product): 10223-0217
ndc (product): 10223-0221
ndc11 (package): 10223022101
ndc11 (package): 10223021703
spl id: 5e116134-85fa-4b04-9795-d55a361b07de
spl set id: 9777acbb-8166-4734-9932-dc66b05bfcb5

Reported adverse events (FAERS/openFDA)#

Adverse event summaries are temporarily unavailable. Other product information remains available.