FDA pharmacologic class
Ester Local Anesthetic
2 medicines are in FDA's class of ester local anesthetics: tetracaine and chloroprocaine (Nesacaine); 1 combination product also contains one. 2 of the 3 are listed from generic labelers (FDA NDC Directory, October 8, 2026). The lowest pharmacy cost is tetracaine 0.5% eye drop at $4.33 per mL (NADAC).
Which medicines are ester local anesthetic?
| Medicine | Brand names | Generic labelers (all forms) | Pharmacy cost | Boxed warning | Shortage | Recalls since 2012 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tetracaine | none listed | 2 labelers | $4.33 per mL 0.5% eye drop | No | No current entry | 1 |
| Chloroprocaine | Nesacaine, Iheezo | 2 labelers | n/a | No | No current entry | 0 |
| Lidocaine and tetracaine | Pliaglis | none listed | n/a | No | No current entry | 1 |
Source: FDA Established Pharmacologic Class (NDC Directory, openFDA); CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026; FDA shortages and recalls (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What do pharmacies pay?
Each medicine's most widely listed form, per unit, in the NADAC survey: what pharmacies paid, not what a patient pays; strengths differ, so compare like with like.
Source: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) survey, October 7, 2026: what retail pharmacies paid per unit; not a counter price