Tag: Tetracaine vs lidocaine

Based on relative potency values, tetracaine is considered more potent than lidocaine, with ratios cited as 10 for tetracaine versus 4 for lidocaine. The question, 'Is tetracaine stronger than lidocaine?', requires an examination of factors beyond simple potency, including onset time, duration, and specific application methods.

Over 800,000 prescriptions for lidocaine were issued in the United States in 2023 [1.5.3]. While both are effective local anesthetics, the fundamental question remains for many: are tetracaine and lidocaine the same? The answer lies in their distinct chemical classifications and properties.