lauromacrogol-400 at a glance
Medicine class
Sclerosing agent for local injection
Licensed use
Sclerotherapy of varicose veins in the lower limbs
Administration
Injected into a vein as liquid or prepared microfoam by a healthcare professional experienced in sclerotherapy
After treatment
Compression and keeping mobile may be advised; follow the treating clinic's instructions
What is lauromacrogol-400 used for?
The selected product is licensed for sclerotherapy of varicose veins in the lower limbs.
Different sizes and types of leg varicose vein may be treated, with the formulation selected by the specialist.
The solution may be used as a liquid or converted into microfoam when appropriate.
How does lauromacrogol-400 work?
This detergent-like sclerosant disrupts cell membranes in the vein lining. The treated vein walls close together and are gradually replaced by fibrous tissue, while blood is redirected through functioning veins.
lauromacrogol-400 preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 2.5 mg/mL, 5 mg/mL, 10 mg/mL, 20 mg/mL, 30 mg/mL
How to take lauromacrogol-400
Do not take or inject this medicine yourself. A trained healthcare professional injects it into the target vein using aseptic technique, sometimes with ultrasound guidance. It may be used as liquid or freshly prepared microfoam.
Tell the clinic about all medicines, allergies, previous reactions to sclerotherapy, blood clots, mobility problems, heart shunts, pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Follow the clinic's instructions about compression, walking, activity and driving after the procedure.
Each ampoule is for single use; any remainder is discarded.
lauromacrogol-400 side effects
Common or expected effects
- Short-lived injection-site pain
- Bruising or a haematoma
- Temporary brown skin discolouration
- Small local clots or firm areas within the treated vein
- New small blood vessels around the treated area
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including breathing difficulty, widespread hives, faintness or swelling of the face, mouth or throat
- Deep-vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, with new leg swelling, sudden breathlessness, chest pain or coughing blood
- Stroke-like symptoms, loss of consciousness, confusion or severe visual disturbance
- Severe chest discomfort, abnormal heartbeat or collapse
- Skin or deeper-tissue damage, particularly following injection outside the vein
lauromacrogol-400 in pregnancy
Safety during pregnancy has not been established, so treatment should usually be postponed until after childbirth. Use during pregnancy requires specialist assessment and a clear symptomatic need where expected benefit outweighs fetal risk.
lauromacrogol-400 while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether lauromacrogol-400 enters human milk. If treatment is necessary, the prescriber and maternity or infant-feeding team should agree a plan, which may include temporarily interrupting breastfeeding.
lauromacrogol-400 interactions
Give the treating team a complete list of medicines before sclerotherapy.
Other local or general anaesthetics
Anaesthetic effects on the cardiovascular system may be additive.
Disulfiram
The injection contains ethanol, which may be relevant during treatment for alcohol dependence.
Anticoagulants
Anticoagulation is not automatically a contraindication, but additional procedural care and an individual plan may be needed.
Hormonal contraceptives or hormone-replacement therapy
Common questions about lauromacrogol-400
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is lauromacrogol-400 the same as polidocanol?
Yes. Polidocanol is another name for lauromacrogol-400.
Can I inject it myself?
No. It must be injected into a vein by a healthcare professional experienced in sclerotherapy.
Why is it sometimes made into foam?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.