Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate

Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate is a prescription used for the treatment of varicose veins in the legs. This medication increases the formation of blood clots and scar tissue inside certain types of veins. This helps decrease the dilation of enlarged veins. 

Varicose veins are enlarged and twisted veins. Any superficial vein may become varicose but the veins most commonly affect are those in your legs. That is because standing and walking upright increases the pressure in the veins of your lower body. For several people, varicose veins can cause aching pain and discomfort. Signs you may have varicose veins include:

• Veins that appear twisted and bulging which they are often like cords on your legs
• Veins that are dark purple or blue
• An achy or heavy feeling in your legs

When painful signs and symptoms occur, they may include:

• Worsened pain after sitting or standing for a long time
• Throbbing, burning, muscle cramping, and swelling in your lower legs
• Skin discoloration around a varicose vein
• Itching around one or more of your veins

Weak or damaged valves can lead to varicose veins. Arteries carry blood from your heart to the rest of your tissues and veins return blood from the rest of your body to your heart. It is to let the blood from being circulated. To return blood to your heart, the veins in your legs must work against gravity. Muscle contractions in your lower legs act as pumps and elastic vein walls that help blood return to your heart. Tiny valves in your veins open as blood flow toward your heart. Then, it closes to stop blood from flowing backward. If these valves are weak or damaged, blood can flow backward and pool in the vein. It causes the veins to stretch or twist.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved this medication. Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate is a sterile nonpyrogenic solution for intravenous use. This drug is known as a sclerosing agent. This injectable solution has dosage strengths of 1% and 3%. 

How does Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate work?

This medication works by causing irritation and inflammation of the inside wall of the vein into which it is injected. This causes a blood clot to form on the inflamed area which blocks the vein. Fibrous scar tissue then develops that permanently blocks the vein and causes it to shrink. Blood flow is naturally diverted through other veins. This procedure is known as sclerosing. 

Injecting the unwanted veins with a sclerosing solution causes the target vein to shrink right away. Then it dissolves for weeks as the body naturally absorbs the treated vein. Sclerotherapy is a non-invasive procedure taking only about 10 minutes to perform. 

How to use Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate?

Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate is given by a healthcare provider. This medication is injected into a vein through an IV. After your injection, you will be watched closely for several hours. It is to make sure this medication is not causing harmful effects. 

When the medicine is injected, let your caregivers know if you feel any pain, burning, or swelling around the IV needle. After your treatment, you may need to wear compression stockings for several days or weeks. Follow carefully your doctor’s instructions about caring for yourself after receiving Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate. Since this prescription is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur. You are not likely to miss a dose because you will receive Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate in a clinical setting. 

Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than the prescription. Remember to take it at the same time and in the same way each day. Use it regularly for the best benefit of this product. Do not suddenly stop this treatment without the consent of your doctor. The dosage of this prescription is based on your medical condition and response to the treatment. Your doctor may give you a lower dose and slowly increase it.

What are the side effects of Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate?

Common side effects:

• Nausea
• Mild headache
• Vomiting
• Discolored skin along the treated vein 
• Injection site reactions 

Call your doctor right away if these occur:

• Sudden cough
• Chest pain
• Rapid breathing
• Wheezing
• Fat heart rate
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty swallowing 
• Dizziness or light-headedness 
• Sudden to severe weakness in the arm or leg on one side of the body
• Pain or swelling in one or both legs
• Skin sores, pain, itching, peeling, or skin changes where the medicine was injected 

Call for medical help if you any signs of an allergic reaction:

• Hay fever
• Hives
• Asthma
• Swelling 

Warnings and Precautions