Cetacaine is a combination medication containing three different [local anesthetics](https://www.goodrx.com/classes/local-anesthetics): benzocaine, butamben, and tetracaine. All three medications temporarily numb an area of your body by blocking your nerves from sending pain messages to the brain. Cetacaine comes as a topical [gel](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=9777acbb-8166-4734-9932-dc66b05bfcb5), [spray](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=af1773c5-5d5b-4278-b551-30ad2df6d5b5), and [solution](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=89f262a4-a41b-41d7-806b-61b9b89542f0). It's used for certain surgeries and procedures involving the ear, nose, mouth, throat, bronchi (tubes that carry air to your lungs), esophagus (tube that connects your throat to your stomach), vagina, or rectum. The spray can also be used to control gagging during oral procedures. Because of [certain risks](https://www.fda.gov/media/113261/download), this medication can't be used in children under 2 years old.

What is methemoglobinemia, and can Cetacaine cause it?

Rarely, a condition known as [methemoglobinemia](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000562.htm) can occur with local anesthetics like Cetacaine. Methemoglobinemia is a life-threatening condition that affects oxygen delivery from your blood to your organs. The risk is higher in people with heart or breathing problems, and people with a genetic blood condition called [glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency](https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase-deficiency/). Symptoms of methemoglobinemia are headaches; dizziness; trouble breathing; fast heart rate; feeling tired; and pale gray- or blue-colored skin, lips, and nail beds. They can happen right away or several hours after Cetacaine use. Your provider will monitor you during your procedure for symptoms of methemoglobinemia and treat you accordingly. Contact your provider right away if you notice any of these symptoms after a procedure in which you were given Cetacaine.

Cetacaine

benzocaine / butamben / tetracaine

Used for Anesthesia

Cetacaine is a combination medication containing benzocaine, butamben, and tetracaine. It's applied onto a certain area of the body to numb it before a surgery or procedure. The medication is administered by a healthcare provider in a healthcare setting.

Reviewed by:

Sarah Lobello Pearson, PharmD

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Last reviewed on September 13, 2022

What is Cetacaine?

What is Cetacaine used for?

To control pain during procedures

Are you looking for information on benzocaine or tetracaine eye drops instead?

Drug facts

Common Brands	Cetacaine
Drug Class	Local anesthetic
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

Cetacaine

Drug Class

Local anesthetic

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

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Avg retail price

N/A

$61.79

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Common questions about Cetacaine

Cetacaine is a combination medication containing three different local anesthetics: benzocaine, butamben, and tetracaine. All three medications temporarily numb an area of your body by blocking your nerves from sending pain messages to the brain. Cetacaine comes as a topical gel, spray, and solution. It's used for certain surgeries and procedures involving the ear, nose, mouth, throat, bronchi (tubes that carry air to your lungs), esophagus (tube that connects your throat to your stomach), vagina, or rectum. The spray can also be used to control gagging during oral procedures. Because of certain risks, this medication can't be used in children under 2 years old.

Your provider will apply a small amount of Cetacaine directly to the area where pain control is needed. A trained healthcare provider must apply the medication to the area in a healthcare setting.

It typically only takes about 30 seconds for Cetacaine to numb the area it was applied to. The numbing effect lasts around 30 to 60 minutes.

The most common side effect of Cetacaine is skin irritation with redness and itching, which could potentially lead to blistering and oozing. This reaction is more likely to occur if you need Cetacaine regularly or for a long period of time. This is unlikely since Cetacaine is typically only administered for a short time during certain procedures.

Rarely, a condition known as methemoglobinemia can occur with local anesthetics like Cetacaine. Methemoglobinemia is a life-threatening condition that affects oxygen delivery from your blood to your organs. The risk is higher in people with heart or breathing problems, and people with a genetic blood condition called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Symptoms of methemoglobinemia are headaches; dizziness; trouble breathing; fast heart rate; feeling tired; and pale gray- or blue-colored skin, lips, and nail beds. They can happen right away or several hours after Cetacaine use. Your provider will monitor you during your procedure for symptoms of methemoglobinemia and treat you accordingly. Contact your provider right away if you notice any of these symptoms after a procedure in which you were given Cetacaine.