sodium tetradecyl sulfate at a glance
Medicine class
Sclerosing agent for local injection
Main licensed use
Uncomplicated primary, recurrent or residual varicose veins and smaller dilated veins of the legs
Administration
Injected into the affected vein by an appropriately trained healthcare professional
After treatment
Compression may be applied; follow the treating clinic’s instructions about walking, driving and dressings
What is sodium tetradecyl sulfate used for?
Its selected UK licence covers sclerotherapy of simply dilated superficial veins in the lower limbs.
Uncomplicated primary varicose veins
Recurrent or residual varicose veins following surgery
Reticular veins, venules and spider veins of the lower limbs
How does sodium tetradecyl sulfate work?
Sodium tetradecyl sulfate irritates and inflames the inner lining of the injected vein. This promotes local clot formation and closes the vein; fibrous tissue then develops and may partly or completely obliterate it.
How to take sodium tetradecyl sulfate
This is a procedure-based injection, not a medicine taken by mouth, so food does not affect administration. A trained professional injects it directly into the target vein as a liquid or, for suitable larger veins, as freshly prepared foam; ultrasound guidance may be used. Follow the clinic’s individual instructions about compression, activity, dressings and driving.
Tell the team about previous blood clots, migraine with aura, breathing problems, allergies, reduced mobility and all medicines you use.
Do not drive until bandages or compression stockings no longer restrict safe control of the vehicle.
Keep any advised follow-up appointment, as clinical or ultrasound review may be needed.
sodium tetradecyl sulfate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Pain or burning at the injection site
- Inflammation, tenderness or hardening along the treated vein
- Temporary brown skin staining, bruising or local swelling
- Fine new spider veins around the treated area
- With foam, headache, migraine or temporary visual disturbance may occur
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis
- Deep-vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
- Stroke-like symptoms, transient neurological deficit or loss of vision
- Severe skin or tissue damage, particularly after injection outside a vein or into an artery
- Chest tightness, marked shortness of breath or circulatory collapse
sodium tetradecyl sulfate in pregnancy
Safety during pregnancy has not been established, and treatment should normally be postponed until after childbirth. Procedures for varicose veins are not usually recommended during pregnancy. Exceptional use requires specialist assessment that the potential benefit outweighs fetal risk.
sodium tetradecyl sulfate while breastfeeding
It is not known whether sodium tetradecyl sulfate passes into human milk. A prescriber should assess the need for treatment and discuss the uncertainty before it is used while breastfeeding.
sodium tetradecyl sulfate interactions
Formal interaction studies have not been performed. Tell the treating team about prescribed, non-prescribed and herbal products, especially medicines affecting clotting or thrombosis risk.
Heparin
The injection is physically incompatible with heparin and must not be mixed with it.
Hormonal contraception or hormone replacement therapy
These can contribute to thrombotic risk and may affect whether sclerotherapy is suitable; do not stop them unless instructed by the treating clinician.
Common questions about sodium tetradecyl sulfate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is sodium tetradecyl sulfate used for?
It is injected into uncomplicated varicose, reticular or spider veins of the lower limbs to close the unwanted vein.
Is sodium tetradecyl sulfate the same as Fibrovein?
Fibrovein is the brand name of the selected UK products containing sodium tetradecyl sulfate.
How does sodium tetradecyl sulfate close a vein?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.