Drug interactions
Paracetamol + Tetracaine
Severity: Moderate
Paracetamol and Tetracaine: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Both tetracaine, a local anesthetic, and paracetamol, rarely, have been linked to methemoglobinemia. Combined exposure may add to risk, particularly with large mucosal application, in infants or in patients with G6PD deficiency.
What this interaction means in plain words
Paracetamol and Tetracaine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Paracetamol belongs to Musculoskeletal; Tetracaine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive oxidant stress on hemoglobin leading to methemoglobin formation.
What to do
Watch for cyanosis, low pulse oximetry readings and dyspnea. Limit the tetracaine dose and treat methemoglobinemia with methylene blue if it occurs.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Paracetamol
- Ethanol + Paracetamol Major
- Busulfan + Paracetamol Moderate
- Carbamazepine + Paracetamol Moderate
- Cholestyramine + Paracetamol Moderate
- Felbamate + Paracetamol Moderate
- Fosphenytoin + Paracetamol Moderate
Other interactions of Tetracaine
- Chloroquine + Tetracaine Moderate
- Dapsone + Tetracaine Moderate
- Isosorbide dinitrate + Tetracaine Moderate
- Isosorbide mononitrate + Tetracaine Moderate
- Nitrofurantoin + Tetracaine Moderate
- Nitroglycerin + Tetracaine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Paracetamol with Tetracaine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Paracetamol and Tetracaine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Both tetracaine, a local anesthetic, and paracetamol, rarely, have been linked to methemoglobinemia. Combined exposure may add to risk, particularly with large mucosal application, in infants or in patients with G6PD deficiency.
How serious is the interaction between Paracetamol and Tetracaine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Watch for cyanosis, low pulse oximetry readings and dyspnea. Limit the tetracaine dose and treat methemoglobinemia with methylene blue if it occurs.
What other medicines interact with Paracetamol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Paracetamol with, for example, Ethanol, Busulfan, Carbamazepine. The full list is on the Paracetamol page.
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