Biomaterial Database

TAC (tetracaine, adrenaline, cocaine): a controversial topical anesthetic for suture of skin lacerations. 1994

J J Foley

TAC and half-strength TAC appear to be highly effective and convenient local anesthetic agents that offer an advantage over injected lidocaine in acceptance by children. The use of TAC is not without risk (cocaine toxicity, theft, and abuse). The decision of whether to use TAC is usually made by the physicians in the emergency department, in conjunction with the pharmacy and therapeutics committee. If it is used, 2 to 3 ml of the half-strength TAC may be the safest dose. The emergency nurse must carefully apply the TAC to minimize systemic absorption and must monitor the patient for signs of any toxic effects.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D003042	Cocaine	An alkaloid ester extracted from the leaves of plants including coca. It is a local anesthetic and vasoconstrictor and is clinically used for that purpose, particularly in the eye, ear, nose, and throat. It also has powerful central nervous system effects similar to the amphetamines and is a drug of abuse. Cocaine, like amphetamines, acts by multiple mechanisms on brain catecholaminergic neurons; the mechanism of its reinforcing effects is thought to involve inhibition of dopamine uptake.	Cocaine HCl,Cocaine Hydrochloride,HCl, Cocaine,Hydrochloride, Cocaine
D004338	Drug Combinations	Single preparations containing two or more active agents, for the purpose of their concurrent administration as a fixed dose mixture.	Drug Combination,Combination, Drug,Combinations, Drug
D004837	Epinephrine	The active sympathomimetic hormone from the ADRENAL MEDULLA. It stimulates both the alpha- and beta- adrenergic systems, causes systemic VASOCONSTRICTION and gastrointestinal relaxation, stimulates the HEART, and dilates BRONCHI and cerebral vessels. It is used in ASTHMA and CARDIAC FAILURE and to delay absorption of local ANESTHETICS.	Adrenaline,4-(1-Hydroxy-2-(methylamino)ethyl)-1,2-benzenediol,Adrenaline Acid Tartrate,Adrenaline Bitartrate,Adrenaline Hydrochloride,Epifrin,Epinephrine Acetate,Epinephrine Bitartrate,Epinephrine Hydrochloride,Epinephrine Hydrogen Tartrate,Epitrate,Lyophrin,Medihaler-Epi,Acetate, Epinephrine
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000779	Anesthetics, Local	Drugs that block nerve conduction when applied locally to nerve tissue in appropriate concentrations. They act on any part of the nervous system and on every type of nerve fiber. In contact with a nerve trunk, these anesthetics can cause both sensory and motor paralysis in the innervated area. Their action is completely reversible. (From Gilman AG, et. al., Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 8th ed) Nearly all local anesthetics act by reducing the tendency of voltage-dependent sodium channels to activate.	Anesthetics, Conduction-Blocking,Conduction-Blocking Anesthetics,Local Anesthetic,Anesthetics, Topical,Anesthetic, Local,Anesthetics, Conduction Blocking,Conduction Blocking Anesthetics,Local Anesthetics,Topical Anesthetics
D012867	Skin	The outer covering of the body that protects it from the environment. It is composed of the DERMIS and the EPIDERMIS.
D013537	Sutures	Materials used in closing a surgical or traumatic wound. (From Dorland, 28th ed)	Staples, Surgical,Surgical Staples,Staple, Surgical,Surgical Staple,Suture
D013748	Tetracaine	A potent local anesthetic of the ester type used for surface and spinal anesthesia.	Tetrakain,Amethocaine,Ametop,Dicaine,Pantocaine,Pontocaine,Tetracaine Monohydrochloride,Tetrracaine Hydrochloride,Hydrochloride, Tetrracaine
D014950	Wounds, Penetrating	Wounds caused by objects penetrating the skin.	Penetrating Wound,Penetrating Wounds,Wound, Penetrating