Kovanaze
Kovanaze (tetracaine / oxymetazoline) is the first FDA-approved, needle-free, numbing medication used during dental procedures on the upper teeth. This combination medication is given at a dental office as a nasal spray.
What is Kovanaze (tetracaine / oxymetazoline)?
Drug facts
Common questions about Kovanaze (tetracaine / oxymetazoline)
Kovanaze (tetracaine / oxymetazoline) is used during dental procedures to numb the upper teeth in adults and children who weigh at least 88 pounds. It's given as a nasal spray by a dental provider.
Kovanaze (tetracaine / oxymetazoline) is a combination of two medications that work together to numb the upper teeth. Tetracaine is a local anesthetic that blocks nerve signals to numb the area where it's used. Oxymetazoline is an alpha receptor agonist that tightens the blood vessels in the nose to help slow the absorption of tetracaine so it lasts longer.
Your provider will typically give you 2 sprays (0.2 mL each) of Kovanaze (tetracaine / oxymetazoline) in the nostril 4 to 5 minutes apart.
For most people, your provider will start the dental procedure about 10 minutes after the second spray of Kovanaze (tetracaine / oxymetazoline).
The most common side effects of Kovanaze (tetracaine / oxymetazoline) include runny or stuffy nose, nose discomfort, sore throat, and watery eyes. Some people have also experienced short-term changes in blood pressure, so make sure to let your provider know if you've been diagnosed with high blood pressure. Kovanaze (tetracaine / oxymetazoline) can also sometimes cause nose bleeds, so let your provider know if you have five or more nose bleeds per month; your provider might use a different option for you or monitor you more carefully.
Like with many other medications, there's a risk of getting a serious allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after receiving Kovanaze (tetracaine / oxymetazoline). Get medical help right away if you experience shortness of breath, chest pain, rash, or swelling of your tongue, throat, lips, or face. Also, since Kovanaze (tetracaine / oxymetazoline) numbs the areas around the mouth, some people have experienced trouble swallowing after receiving the medication. Be careful when eating or drinking and tell your provider if you're having difficulty. In addition, some people with certain medical conditions (e.g., glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency) who take Kovanaze (tetracaine / oxymetazoline) are at a greater risk of getting methemoglobinemia, a blood condition where not enough oxygen gets to your cells. Be sure to tell your provider your full medical history and other medications you're taking.
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