Tetracaine is a local anesthetic that works by blocking nerve impulses, resulting in numbness or loss of sensation in the affected area. There are several synonyms for tetracaine, including amethocaine, pontocaine, and dimethocaine. Amethocaine is a similar local anesthetic that is commonly used in medical procedures such as dental work, eye exams, and minor surgeries. Pontocaine, also known as procaine, is another local anesthetic that is often used for nerve blocks, spinal anesthesia, and dental procedures. Dimethocaine, on the other hand, is a non-medical compound that is sometimes used as a recreational drug due to its numbing effects. Despite their different names, all of these substances share similar properties and uses to tetracaine.