sodium tetradecyl sulfate

Sodium tetradecyl sulfate is used to treat small uncomplicated varicose veins in the lower limbs. Varicose veins are enlarged veins that appear below the skin surface and cause pain. Sodium tetradecyl sulfate is injected into the swollen vein to block blood flow and destroy it.

Sodium tetradecyl sulfate is a negatively charged surfactant and tissue stiffening agent that irritates the vein lining to cause inflammation and blood clot formation. The clot blocks the vein and destroys it, potentially permanently.

Warnings

• Do not use sodium tetradecyl sulfate in patients hypersensitive to the drug or any component of the formulation.
• Do not use sodium tetradecyl sulfate in acute superficial vein inflammation with clots, valvular or deep vein incompetence, large superficial veins with open communications to deeper veins, thrombophlebitis migrans, allergic conditions, acute cellulitis, acute infections, varicose veins caused by abdominal or pelvic tumors that haven’t been removed, or in bedridden patients.
• Evaluate the patient for valvular and deep vein competency with noninvasive tests before starting treatment.
• Inject small amounts into the varicose veins.
• Proper compression after treatment can reduce the incidence of deep vein thrombosis.
• Monitor the patient for potential development of deep vein thrombosis after treatment.

QUESTION

What are the side effects of sodium tetradecyl sulfate?

Common side effects of sodium tetradecyl sulfate include injection site reactions such as pain, ulceration, hives, reversible hyperpigmentation, and permanent discoloration.

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects while using this drug:

• Serious heart symptoms include fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness.
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady.
• Severe nervous system reaction with very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and feeling like you might pass out.
• Serious eye symptoms include blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.

This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What are the dosages of sodium tetradecyl sulfate?

Injectable solution

Adult

Venous Varices

• May administer a test dose of 0.5 mL several hours prior to treating with larger doses.
• 0.5-2 mL IV in each vein; 1% solution for general use & 3% solution for larger varicosities.
• 10 mL solution per treatment session maximum.

Administration

• Place injection sites 2.4-4.7 in [6-12 cm] apart.
• Do not use if solution has particulate matter or discoloration.
• SC varicose veins: use only 1% solution, most effective when administered as a froth prepared by vigorously shaking syringe.

Pediatric:

• Safety and efficacy not established.

Overdose

There is no information on overdose of sodium tetradecyl sulfate, it will likely intensify the side effects. Overdose may be treated with symptomatic and supportive care.

What drugs interact with sodium tetradecyl sulfate?

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

• Sodium tetradecyl sulfate has no known severe, serious or moderate interactions with other drugs.
• Minor interactions of sodium tetradecyl sulfate include mestranol.

The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.

It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions about the medication.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• No animal reproductive studies have been conducted and it is not known if sodium tetradecyl sulfate can cause fetal harm if administered to a pregnant woman, or if it can affect reproductive capacity. Use sodium tetradecyl sulfate during pregnancy only if clearly needed, and potential benefits justify potential risks to the fetus.
• It is not known if sodium tetradecyl sulfate is present in breastmilk. Use with caution in nursing mothers because most drugs are excreted in breastmilk.

What else should I know about sodium tetradecyl sulfate?

• Report to your treating physician immediately if you develop any severe hypersensitivity reactions such as hives, swelling, and/or breathing difficulties.
• You will need to be tested for a certain period after treatment to rule out the development of deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism. Follow up with your physician and do not miss your test appointments.
• Report to your physician immediately if you have any symptoms of thromboembolism such as throbbing pain and/or swelling in calves or legs, cough with blood-streaked mucus, chest pain, and sudden shortness of breath.

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Summary

Sodium tetradecyl sulfate is used to treat small uncomplicated varicose veins in the lower limbs. Common side effects include injection site reactions, tissue death, blood clot blockages, cough, shortness of breath, headache, nausea, vomiting, and allergic reactions.