sodium tetradecyl sulfate

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

The primary action involves its ability to cause irritation and inflammation of the inner lining of blood vessels particularly veins.  

When injected into a varicose veins sodium tetradecyl sulfate induces a controlled chemical injury to the vessel wall.  

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Deep vein thrombosis 

Pulmonary embolism 

Cough 

Immune hypersensitivity reaction 

Anaphylaxis 

Reversible hyperpigmentation of injection site 

Injection site ulcer 

Redness of conjunctiva 

Nausea 

Vomiting 

Shortness of breath 

Pruritus of face and extremities 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

None  

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

It is contraindicated with known allergies, blood clots or DVT, significant arterial disease, or localized skin conditions, ulcers, and wounds. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: 

Pregnancy category: C 

Lactation: Excretion into human milk is unknown  

Pregnancy Categories:         

• Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 
• Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.  
• Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women. 
• Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 
• Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology  

Sodium tetradecyl sulfate when injected into a veins it disrupts endothelial lining of vein causing irritation and inflammation at the injection site.  

Thrombosis caused by irritation of the vein’s inner lining cells leads to the blockage of the injected vein.  

Pharmacodynamics 

Inflammation leads to activation of clotting cascade and in formation of fibrin within the vein. 

As fibrin accumulates then clots form the vein becomes fibrotic and scarred.  

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption 

It is not absorbed systemically due to being directed locally at site of injection. 

Distribution 

It does not distribute throughout the body. 

Metabolism 

Not extensively metabolized in body. 

Excretion 

N/A 

Adminstartion

Administration 

sodium tetradecyl sulfate given as direct injection into the target veins. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: sodium tetradecyl sulfate   

Why do we use sodium tetradecyl sulfate? 

Sodium tetradecyl sulfate is a sclerosing agent that treats varicose veins and manages venous malformations achieving hemostasis in certain procedures and treats unsightly spider veins in cosmetic procedures.