REBEL EM - January 28, 2021 - By Salim Rezaie
Paper: Shipman S et al. Short-Term Topical Tetracaine is Highly Efficacious for the Treatment of Pain Caused by Corneal Abrasions: A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial. Ann Emerg Med 2020. PMID: 33121832 [Open in Read by QxMD]
“Clinical Question: How effective is 24-hour home use of topical tetracaine in patients with uncomplicated corneal abrasions compared to placebo?
Author Conclusion: “Short-term topical tetracaine is an efficacious analgesic for acute corneal abrasions, is associated with less hydrocodone use compared with placebo, and was found to be safe in this sample.”
Clinical Take Home Point: 24 hours of topical 0.5% tetracaine for uncomplicated corneal abrasions reduced pain scores at 24 to 48 hours and was opioid sparing for breakthrough pain compared to placebo. Larger trials would be needed to rule out rare adverse events but adding this study to previous data it seems that 24 to 48 hours of topical anesthetic use for uncomplicated corneal abrasions is safe. It is important to emphasize the need for follow-up, short-term use, and return precautions in these patients to avoid long-term use of these medications”