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Tetracaine 20 mg/1000mL Gel — NDC 71888-0103-02 package photo

Tetracaine 20 mg/1000mL Gel

by Bellus Medical, LLC · 12 PACKET in 1 BOX (71888-103-02) / 4 mL in 1 PACKET (71888-103-01)
NDC 71888-0103-02
🏷️ FDA NDC (as labeled) 71888-103-02 billing pads the product segment with a zero
OTC On market Non-controlled
🗂️ Data synced Jul 24, 2026 · sources: openFDA · FDA label (DailyMed) · FDA Orange & Purple Book · First Databank · CMS NADAC, ASP, Medicare & Medicaid · RxNorm
📋 All sources & update times →

This page is curated, coded, and maintained by

Compiled from public FDA, CMS, DailyMed, NADAC, and related drug data sources. Editorial policy

🆔 Identity & classification

FDA NDC (as labeled) 71888-103-02
Product NDC 71888-103
11-digit billing NDC 71888010302
UNII 5NF5D4OPCI
Application # M017
SPL Set ID 60cabb5f-606b-7a74-e053-2a91aa0ac024
Established class (EPC) Ester Local Anesthetic
Physiologic effect Local Anesthesia
Chemical class Esters
DEA schedule Non-controlled
Marketing category OTC MONOGRAPH DRUG
Marketing status On market
FDA listing status Listed (active directory)
Marketing start 2017-06-01
Route TOPICAL
Dosage form GEL
Substance TETRACAINE HYDROCHLORIDE
Why two NDCs? The FDA registers this code as 71888-103-02 — a 5-3-2 layout, and that's what's printed on the package and shown on DailyMed. For insurance claims, every NDC is standardized to a uniform 11-digit 5-4-2 format by adding a zero to the product segment → 71888-0103-02. Same drug, same package — only the format differs.
Where does this data come from?
Identifiers from the FDA openFDA NDC Directory and Structured Product Labeling; RxCUI from RxNorm (NLM); GPI from Medi-Span; GCN / HIC / AHFS / legend from First Databank.

🏭 Manufacturer & labeler

LabelerBellus Medical, LLC
FDA applicationM017 (OTC MONOGRAPH DRUG)
Labeler code71888
First marketedJun 2017
Product typeHuman Otc Drug
Portfolio3 products on file
The labeler markets the product; the application holder owns the FDA approval. They’re often the same company but can differ (e.g. a repackager or an authorized generic). A mailing address / phone appears here when the manufacturer includes it in the product’s FDA label (not all do).
Where does this data come from?
Labeler, application holder and registered establishment from the FDA openFDA NDC Directory and Drugs@FDA; address/contact from the product’s FDA label.

🩺 Clinical

🧪 What is this product?

Tetracaine 20 mg/1000mL Gel is an over-the-counter topical anesthetic gel marketed under FDA's monograph rules for local anesthetics. Tetracaine hydrochloride, the active ingredient, is a local anesthetic typically used to numb the skin or mucous membranes before minor medical procedures or to relieve pain from minor cuts, scrapes, and insect bites. This product is applied directly to the affected area to reduce sensation.

Where does this data come from?
Plain-language summary from MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine); supplement & herbal interactions and nutrient depletion data from the Natural Medicines database; our full guide is HelloPharmacist editorial content.

🧪 Inactive Ingredients / Excipients

Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.

💡 Tap an ingredient (hover on desktop) to see what it is and why it’s used.

  • UNII ZY81Z83H0X
    Aloe vera leaf is a plant extract derived from the aloe plant. It is used in medicines as a natural moisturizer and skin-soothing agent in topical formulations.
  • UNII 00YIU5438U
    Caprylyl glycol is a clear liquid derived from coconut oil. In medicines, it acts as a humectant to retain moisture, a preservative booster to prevent microbial growth, and a solvent to help dissolve or mix other ingredients.
  • UNII MP1J8420LU
    A salt derived from edetic acid that binds to trace metals in medicines. It serves as a chelating agent and preservative to prevent metal-catalyzed breakdown of the drug and extend shelf life.
  • UNII PDC6A3C0OX
    Glycerin is a clear, thick liquid derived from plant oils or fats. It acts as a humectant to retain moisture, a sweetener, and a solvent in medications.
  • UNII R33S7TK2EP
    Hydroxyethyl cellulose is a thickening agent made from processed plant cellulose. It's used in medicines to increase viscosity, improve texture, and help distribute active ingredients evenly throughout liquid or semi-solid formulations.
  • UNII HIE492ZZ3T
    Phenoxyethanol is a synthetic preservative and antimicrobial agent used to prevent bacterial and fungal growth in medicines and cosmetic products, extending shelf life and maintaining product safety.
  • UNII 6DC9Q167V3
    Propylene glycol is a clear liquid derived from petroleum or vegetable sources. It acts as a solvent, humectant, and preservative in medicines, helping dissolve active ingredients and maintain product stability.
  • UNII X045WJ989B
    Sorbic acid is a preservative derived from berries that prevents mold, yeast, and bacterial growth in medicines. It keeps the product stable and safe during storage.
  • UNII 059QF0KO0R
    Water is a liquid solvent that dissolves and mixes ingredients together in liquid medicines, syrups, and injections. It helps distribute the active drug evenly throughout the product.

9 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.

The official label also statesWater, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract, Sorbic Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA

Label-section wording can be broader than the structured product block and may mention additional formulation ingredients.

Where does this data come from?
Data sourced from official FDA Structured Product Labeling (SPL) via DailyMed — ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.

Inactive ingredient FAQ

Are inactive ingredients the same for every manufacturer?
No. Inactive ingredients can differ by manufacturer, dosage form, strength, and package / product version.
Why might an inactive ingredient be missing?
Some SPLs do not provide a complete structured inactive-ingredient list, and older or unusual labels may only include the information in narrative text.
Can inactive ingredients matter?
Yes. They can matter for allergies, intolerances, dyes, gluten / lactose concerns, preservatives, and formulation differences — but confirm with a pharmacist or the manufacturer when it’s clinically important.

💲 Pricing

A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.

Price systemPer gPer package
Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly Not in the retail survey — common for institutional, discontinued, or low-volume packs.
Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo No recent Medicaid claims on file for this NDC — rare and low-volume NDCs are suppressed in the public data.
Medicare drug plans payPart D · quarterly No Part D plan price is available for this NDC in our data.
ℹ️
No price is published for this exact package yet. CMS surveys NADAC per package size, so a different pack of the same drug often has one.
Where does this data come from?
NADAC (National Average Drug Acquisition Cost) is the CMS weekly pharmacy-acquisition-cost survey — what pharmacies pay. ASP (Average Sales Price) is the CMS Medicare Part B drug-payment file, published quarterly. Medicaid pays is computed by us from CMS State Drug Utilization Data (total reimbursed ÷ units, trailing 12 months) — gross of rebates and inclusive of dispensing fees, so it reflects what Medicaid paid, not an acquisition cost. Medicare drug plans pay is the median negotiated point-of-sale unit cost across plans listing this NDC in the CMS quarterly Prescription Drug Plan pricing files, before rebates. The VA pays is the federal contract price (FSS, and the statutory Big 4 ceiling where listed) from the VA National Acquisition Center pharmaceutical price file. All are free public government data; each measures a different payer, so the figures are not directly comparable.

🔁 Therapeutic equivalents

ProductLabelerPackNADAC/unitTEStatusPrice vs. this
Tetracaine 20 mg/1000mLthis 71888-0103-02 Bellus 12 packets — — FDA listed —
About this product: other versions of the same ingredient, strength and form are listed above, least expensive first, with FDA equivalence ratings where available.
Where does this data come from?
Equivalents are other NDCs of the same ingredient, form and route from the openFDA NDC Directory, ranked least-expensive-first by NADAC. Therapeutic-equivalence (AB) ratings come from the FDA Orange Book; biologics use the FDA Purple Book for biosimilar & interchangeable status.

⏳ Availability & generic status

🏛️
2017
On the market since
Jun 2017
📍
2026
Currently FDA-listed
9 years listed
🔒
·
No generic listed yet
brand only
ℹ️No FDA-approved generic found

We did not find an FDA-approved generic match for this exact strength, form and route.

Where does this data come from?
Patents and exclusivity from the FDA Orange Book (small-molecule drugs), refreshed from public FDA data. Generic launch timing is an estimate, not a guarantee.

📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product

Package NDCDescription Marketing startStatus
71888-0103-02 You're viewing this 12 PACKET in 1 BOX (71888-103-02) / 4 mL in 1 PACKET (71888-103-01) 2017-06-01 Active

🧭 About this NDC listing & data coverage

Over-the-counter (OTC) product
What data is (and isn’t) available for this NDC — tap to expand
NDC identity (package / product / labeler codes) ✓ Available
Labeler ✓ Available
Product & package description ✓ Available
Marketing category & status ✓ Available
Active ingredient / dosage form / route ✓ Available
FDA label (SPL via DailyMed) ✓ Available
Package photos ✓ Available
Inactive ingredients (structured) ✓ Available
NADAC pharmacy acquisition price (CMS) — Not published for this NDC CMS publishes NADAC only for NDCs reported in its retail-pharmacy survey.
Orange Book / therapeutic-equivalence data — Not published for this NDC Applies only to products approved under an NDA/ANDA; many listings are out of scope.
HCPCS J-code billing crosswalk — Not published for this NDC Most self-administered / retail products have no J-code — that is normal.
Medicaid utilization (CMS SDUD) — Not published for this NDC CMS reports utilization only for NDCs with Medicaid claims above its privacy threshold.
“Not published” reflects what the public FDA / CMS / NLM sources provide for this exact package code — it is a property of the data feeds, not a judgment about the product.

Questions about this listing

Is this NDC FDA-approved?
An NDC listing does not by itself establish FDA approval — the NDC Directory records that a product is listed with FDA, not that it was reviewed and approved. This listing's marketing category is "Otc Monograph Drug". Products approved under an application carry an NDA, ANDA, or BLA number.
Why is there no price listed?
The pricing shown on our NDC pages comes from CMS NADAC, a voluntary survey of retail community pharmacy invoices. CMS does not publish a NADAC for every NDC — packages outside the retail survey (institutional and hospital products, bulk packages, discontinued items, and many OTC items) may never receive one. A missing price reflects the survey's scope, not this product's actual cost, and does not mean the product is free or unavailable.
Is the NDC printed on the package the same as the 11-digit billing NDC?
Yes, they identify this exact package in different formats. The FDA registers it as 71888-103-02, which is what is printed on the packaging and shown on DailyMed. Insurance claims use a fixed 11-digit 5-4-2 format, so the short segment is padded with a leading zero: 71888-0103-02, written without dashes as 71888010302. The Identity section at the top of this page lists every form of this code.
What do the three segments of this NDC mean?
In 71888-0103-02, the first segment (71888) is the labeler code FDA assigned to Bellus Medical, LLC; the middle segment (0103) identifies this specific product — its ingredient, strength, and dosage form; and the last segment (02) identifies this exact package size and type. Together they name one specific package of one specific product.
Is this package still being marketed?
Yes, per the latest FDA NDC Directory data on this page: this package is listed as actively marketed, with no marketing end date reported by Bellus Medical, LLC. Listing status can change — the directory data on this page refreshes weekly.
Who lists this product with the FDA?
Bellus Medical, LLC is the labeler of record for this NDC — the company under whose FDA-assigned code the package is listed. The labeler may be the manufacturer itself or a distributor marketing the product under its own code.
Do I need a prescription for this product?
This NDC is listed with FDA as an over-the-counter product, so it does not require a prescription. Follow the package directions, and ask your pharmacist if you are unsure whether it is right for you.
This page identifies an FDA-listed package (the NDC) and reports public regulatory and pricing data about the listing. It is reference information, not a medical recommendation — talk to your pharmacist or prescriber about your own medication.
Where does this data come from?
Listing facts (marketing category, packager status, marketing dates) from the FDA openFDA NDC Directory; label availability from DailyMed; pricing coverage from CMS NADAC; equivalence scope from the FDA Orange Book.

📄 FDA label — Drug Facts FDA SPL

The complete FDA label for this product — the official Drug Facts labeling, verbatim, section by section. Jump with a chip, search within the label, or expand everything.
🎯 Indications and Usage ⏱️ Dosage and Administration ⚠️ Warnings 🧪 Active Ingredient 🧪 Inactive Ingredients 🎯 Purpose
🎯 Indications and Usage 43 words ▾

Uses : For the temporary relief of discomfort and pain associated with Minor burns and skin irritations Minor cuts and scrapes Itching Directions : Adults and Children 12 years of age and older Apply to affected area not more than 3-4 times daily.

⏱️ Dosage and Administration 43 words ▾

Uses : For the temporary relief of discomfort and pain associated with Minor burns and skin irritations Minor cuts and scrapes Itching Directions : Adults and Children 12 years of age and older Apply to affected area not more than 3-4 times daily.

⚠️ Warnings 54 words ▾

Warnings : For external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes. DO NOT USE : In large quantities, particularly over raw surfaces and blistered areas. Stop use and ask a doctor if : Skin becomes irritated Condition worsens or symptoms last more than 7 days Symptoms clear up and reoccur within a few days.

🧪 Active Ingredient 3 words ▾

Tetracaine HCL 2%

🧪 Inactive Ingredients 19 words ▾

Water, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract, Sorbic Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA

🎯 Purpose 2 words ▾

Topical Anesthetic

Source: FDA Structured Product Labeling, mirrored from DailyMed / openFDA. Prefer the government’s original formatting? View this label on DailyMed ↗
← 71888-0102-02 · Bellus 71889-0350-08 · Kapa'ihi, →
For educational and professional reference only — not medical advice. Pricing reflects published NADAC and CMS ASP (free public data) and may differ from your acquisition cost; always verify before billing or dispensing.