What are tetracaine and proparacaine classified as?

Tetracaine and proparacaine are classified as topical anesthetics because they are specifically designed for application on the surface of tissues, such as the eye, to induce localized pain relief without affecting consciousness. These drugs are commonly used in ophthalmology procedures to numb the surface of the eye prior to surgical interventions or diagnostic tests. Their formulation allows for rapid onset and short duration of action, which is ideal for procedures that require temporary numbness of the corneal and conjunctival surfaces.

Local anesthetics can sometimes encompass a broader range of applications, including those that might be injected or administered in a way that affects larger areas, but in this particular context of use—numbing a specific area without affecting systemic sensation—tetracaine and proparacaine are best classified under the topical anesthetics category. This distinction is important for understanding their role in surgical practices and their mechanism of action specifically in ophthalmic applications.