What is Polidocanol?
Polidocanol is a local antipruritic and anesthetic component of ointments and bath additives. It relieves itching caused by eczema or dry skin and is made from the ethoxylation of dodecanol. Polidocanol is also a prescription drug used to treat lower extremity varicose veins, as part of a group of drugs called sclerosing agents. It works by inducing local damage and rebuilding the lining of blood vessels. This medication comes in the form of a solution and foam, which are injected directly into the varicose vein by a healthcare professional. Repeat treatments may be needed.
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Get A Second OpinionPolidocanol Uses:
Polidocanol is used to treat varicose veins. It is indicated for the treatment of spider veins (varicose veins less than or equal to 1 mm in diameter) and uncomplicated reticular veins (varicose veins 1 to 3 mm in diameter) in the lower extremity. It is also prescribed for treating incompetent large accessory saphenous veins, saphenous veins, and visible varicose veins of the large saphenous vein system above or below the knee.
Polidocanol Side Effects:
Serious side effects with Polidocanol have been reported. Common side effects include:
- Mild local reactions at the injection site
- Ischemia of tissues and necrosis
- Venous thrombosis
- Anaphylaxis
- Anxiety
- Blue-green to black skin discoloration
- Blurred vision
- Burning, itching
- Numbness, prickling
- Tingling sensations
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Darkening of the skin
- Difficulty or labored breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fainting
- Fast breathing
- Irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
- Fever
- Inability to speak
- Increased hair growth in the treatment area
- Hives
- Swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
- Loss of consciousness
- Nerve injury
- No blood pressure or pulse
- Noisy breathing
- Pain, redness, or sloughing of the skin at the injection site
- Pain, redness, or swelling in the arm or leg
- Puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- Seizures
- Severe or sudden headache
- Skin rash
- Slurred speech
- Sores, welts, or blisters
- Stopping of the heart
- Temporary blindness
- Tightness in the chest
- Troubled breathing
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Weakness in one side of the body
- Sudden and severe pains
This is not a complete list of side effects. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Report any bothersome or persistent side effects to your doctor.
Precautions:
Serious side effects, including severe allergic reactions, have been reported with Polidocanol. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction:
- Difficulty breathing or tightness of the throat or chest
- Decreased heart rate, chest pain, or lightheadedness
- Hives, swelling, or skin rash
- Confusion, headache, and slurred speech
Polidocanol may cause dizziness. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. Do not take Polidocanol if you:
- Are allergic to Polidocanol or any of its ingredients
- Have acute thromboembolic disease
Discuss all medical conditions and medications with your doctor before taking Polidocanol.
Pregnancy:
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. The FDA categorizes drugs based on safety during pregnancy. Polidocanol falls under category C. Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no well-conducted studies in humans. Use this medication only if the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
Polidocanol and Lactation:
Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is unknown if Polidocanol passes into human milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made to either discontinue nursing or discontinue the medication. This decision should be made with your doctor, considering the benefits and risks.
Interactions:
There are no known specific food interactions with Polidocanol. However, always consult your doctor regarding any potential interactions with other medications or foods.
Dosage:
Use Polidocanol exactly as prescribed. The dosage may vary based on:
- The condition being treated
- Other medical conditions
- Other medications being taken
- Your response to treatment
- Weight, height, age, and gender
For varicose veins, the recommended dose is 0.1 – 0.3 mL per vein, with a maximum of 10 mL per treatment session. For treating incompetent large saphenous veins and accessory saphenous veins, the dose is up to 5 mL per vein, with a maximum of 15 mL per treatment session.
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Book an AppointmentPolidocanol vs Sotradecol:
| Polidocanol | Sotradecol |
|---|---|
|
Formula: C30H62O10 |
Formula: C14H29NaO4S |
|
Polidocanol is a local anesthetic and antipruritic. |
Sodium tetradecyl sulfate is an anionic surfactant. |
|
Molecular Weight: 582.8 g/mol |
Molecular Weight: 316.43 g/mol |
|
Polidocanol is used to treat varicose veins. |
Sotradecol works by increasing the formation of blood clots and scar tissue within certain types of veins, reducing vein dilation. |
This content provides comprehensive information about Polidocanol, including its uses, side effects, precautions, and a comparison with Sotradecol.
