tetradecyl Sulfuric Acid

Action and Spectrum

Actions and spectrum: 

tetradecyl sulfuric acid, often referred to as tetradecyl sulfate or tetradecyl sulfuric acid ester, is a synthetic anionic surfactant. Its action involves its surfactant properties, which means it reduces the surface tension of liquids and help in the emulsification of oils and fats. In some products, it is used as a cleansing and foaming agent, and it can also serve as a wetting agent. 

The spectrum of its applications includes its use in various cleaning and personal care products such as shampoos, body washes, and detergents. It helps these products to effectively mix and remove oil and dirt from surfaces, making them useful in household and industrial cleaning, as well as personal hygiene products. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

chest pain 

wheezing 

itching 

Headache 

Vomiting 

discolored skin 

nausea 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

There is no specific black box warning associated with tetradecyl sulfuric acid. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• Hypersensitivity: Individuals with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to tetradecyl sulfuric acid or related compounds should avoid exposure. 
• Open Wounds or Mucosal Surfaces: tetradecyl sulfuric acid should not be applied to open wounds or mucosal surfaces due to the risk of irritation and adverse reactions. 
• Serious Skin Conditions: Individuals with serious skin conditions, such as severe dermatitis or burns, should avoid the use of tetradecyl sulfuric acid, as it may exacerbate these conditions. 
• Eye Exposure: Direct contact with the eyes should be avoided. If eye contact occurs, immediate rinsing with copious amounts of water is necessary.

Caution: 

• Pregnancy and Lactation: Exercise extreme caution when considering the use of tetradecyl sulfuric acid in pregnant or lactating individuals, and only do so when the potential benefits clearly outweigh the risks. 
• Pediatric and Geriatric Use: Use in pediatric and geriatric populations should be approached with caution, and dosing should be adjusted as necessary based on age and individual health conditions. 
• Special Populations: Patients with pre-existing health conditions, such as liver or kidney diseases, may require special consideration and monitoring during the administration of tetradecyl sulfuric acid. 
• Quality Control: Ensure the quality and sterility of the tetradecyl sulfuric acid preparation and verify that it complies with regulatory standards and guidelines.

Comorbidities: 

• Renal or Hepatic Impairment: Patients with impaired kidney or liver function may require dose adjustments or more frequent monitoring due to potential alterations in drug metabolism and elimination. 
• Allergic Conditions: Patients with a history of allergies or hypersensitivity reactions may require extra precautions when using tetradecyl sulfuric acid, as allergic reactions are possible. 
• Cardiovascular Conditions: Patients with significant cardiovascular diseases may need careful assessment and management before undergoing procedures involving tetradecyl sulfuric acid. 
• Neurological Conditions: Patients with neurological conditions that affect their ability to communicate or understand the procedure may require special attention and consideration during the informed consent process. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: pregnancy category: not assigned 

Lactation: excreted into human milk: unknown  

Pregnancy category: 

• 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: 

tetradecyl Sulfuric Acid, also known as tetradecyl sulfate or sodium tetradecyl sulfate, is a medication with detergent properties that acts as a sclerosing agent in medical procedures. It is used to treat varicose veins and certain vascular malformations by inducing inflammation and scarring within the affected blood vessels.

When injected into the targeted vein, tetradecyl sulfuric acid disrupts the inner lining of the vessel, causing it to collapse and seal shut. This process, known as sclerotherapy, redirects blood flow to healthier veins, alleviating symptoms associated with varicose veins and vascular lesions.  

Pharmacodynamics: 

• Endothelial Damage: tetradecyl sulfuric acid disrupts the inner lining (endothelium) of the treated blood vessel. This endothelial damage initiates a healing response. 
• Inflammatory Response: The damage triggers an inflammatory response within the vein. Inflammation includes the release of inflammatory mediators and infiltration of immune cells, promoting clot formation and scarring. 
• Vasoconstriction: The medication can lead to vasoconstriction or narrowing of the treated vessel. This reduces blood flow through the damaged vein and helps seal it off. 
• Fibrosis and Scarring: Over time, the inflammatory response leads to fibrosis and scarring within the treated vein. This scarring causes the vein to collapse and close, ultimately sealing it off. 
• Blood Flow Diversion: As the treated vein closes, blood flow is redirected to healthier veins, relieving the symptoms associated with varicose veins or vascular malformations.

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

tetradecyl sulfuric acid is not administered orally but is directly injected into target veins during sclerotherapy. Therefore, oral absorption is not relevant. It is also not applied topically; instead, it is introduced directly into veins through injection. 

Distribution 

Once injected, tetradecyl sulfuric acid is distributed within the treated blood vessel. It has a local effect, causing endothelial damage and inflammation within the target vein. 

Metabolism 

Metabolism of tetradecyl sulfuric acid is not a significant consideration in its clinical use because it remains localized within the treated blood vessel. Systemic metabolism is unlikely to play a major role. 

Elimination and excretion 

tetradecyl sulfuric acid is not metabolized or excreted in the same way as many drugs because it is retained within the targeted vein. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

A healthcare provider, typically a vascular specialist or dermatologist, uses a fine needle to inject a solution containing tetradecyl sulfuric acid directly into the affected vein. The solution causes the vein to shrink, collapse, and be reabsorbed by the body.

After the injection, the healthcare provider may apply compression to the treated area using compression stockings or bandages. This helps maintain pressure on the treated vein, preventing blood from re-entering the vein and ensuring that the sclerosing agent works effectively. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: tetradecyl Sulfuric Acid 

Pronounced: (tet-ra-dec-yl sul-fyoor-ik as-id)  

Why do we use tetradecyl Sulfuric Acid? 

tetradecyl sulfuric acid is used to treat varicose veins, which are enlarged, twisted, and often painful veins that typically occur in the legs. By injecting tetradecyl sulfuric acid into the affected veins, it causes the veins to collapse and eventually be reabsorbed by the body.

This improves blood flow and alleviates the symptoms associated with varicose veins. In addition to varicose veins, tetradecyl sulfuric acid is sometimes used to treat smaller, superficial veins known as spider veins. Sclerotherapy with tetradecyl sulfuric acid can help reduce their appearance.