Where is Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate used?
Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate is used to treat varicose veins in the legs. This medicine increases the formation of blood clots and scar tissue inside certain types of veins and lessens the expansion of enlarged veins.
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.
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 is Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate taken?
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.
What are the possible side effects of Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate?
- Nausea
- Mild headache
- Vomiting
- Discolored skin along the treated vein
- Injection site reactions
Call your doctor right away if these occur:
- Sudden cough
- Wheezing
- Fat heart rate
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dizziness or light-headedness
What are the precautions in using Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate?
- Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate should be used with caution in people who have previously had an allergic reaction to the injection. As well as those with poor blood circulation in the arteries in the extremities, this prescription should be used carefully.
- This should not be used if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. If you have any allergies, let your doctor know right away.
- If you missed a dose, call your healthcare provider for instructions. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed dose.
- If there are any signs of an overdose, call your doctor right away.
- This is not recommended for use in children and women who are taking a contraceptive pill.
- Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate should not be used in people with acute inflammation in the vein, an infection throughout the body, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, who are unable to walk, or obesity.
