tricaine methanesulfonate

Tricaine, most commonly used as its salt form tricaine methanesulfonate, is a small molecule anesthetic primarily used for anesthesia, sedation, or euthanasia of fish and other aquatic cold-blooded animals. It is the only anesthetic licensed in the United States for use in fin fish intended for human consumption. Tricaine acts by blocking sodium ion channels in nerve cells, thereby inhibiting action potentials and silencing neural activity between the brain and extremities. This mechanism results in effective immobilization and loss of sensation during handling or procedures such as spawning, surgery, transport, or research[1][2][4]. The drug is highly water-soluble but can acidify water; buffering may be required to maintain safe pH levels[4]. Major brand names include Finquel (manufactured by MSD Animal Health) and Syncaine (manufactured by Syndel)[4].

Brand names

FinquelSyncaine

Other names

tricaine mesylatetricaine methanesulfonateethyl m-aminobenzoate methanesulfonatemetacaine mesylatemetacaine methanesulfonate3-Ethoxycarbonylanilinium methanesulphonateethyl 3‑aminobenzoate methanesulfonic acid salt