What Is Polidocanol? Uses and Benefits and How it Works

Polidocanol is a sclerosing agent commonly used in the treatment of varicose veins and spider veins. It works by irritating the vein wall, causing it to collapse and eventually fade. Polidocanol injection is also used in foam form for larger veins. Polidocanol side effects are usually mild and include redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site.

What Is Polidocanol?

Polidocanol is a local antipruritic and anaesthetic component of ointments and bath additives. It relieves itching caused by eczema or dry skin and is made from the ethoxylation of dodecanol. Polidocanol is also a prescription drug used to treat lower extremity varicose veins, as part of a group of drugs called sclerosing agents.

It works by inducing local damage and rebuilding the lining of blood vessels. This medication comes in the form of a solution and foam, which are injected directly into the varicose vein by a healthcare professional. Repeat treatments may be needed.

Polidocanol Uses

Conditions Polidocanol Treats

Polidocanol is mainly used as a sclerosing agent to treat:

• Varicose veins
• Spider veins (telangiectasia)
• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Polidocanol injection for aneurysmal bone cyst

Benefits of Polidocanol

• Minimally invasive and non-surgical
• Quick procedure with minimal recovery time
• Less pain and irritation compared to other sclerosing agents

Secondary Uses of Polidocanol

In some cases, Polidocanol injection may be used for:

• Hemorrhoid treatment
• Lymphatic malformations
• Venous malformations

Though generally safe, it's important to be aware of possible Polidocanol side effects, such as mild swelling or discomfort at the injection site.

How Does Polidocanol Work?

Polidocanol works by damaging the inner lining of the affected vein. When it is injected, it irritates the vein wall, causing the vein to collapse and stick together. Over time, the body absorbs the closed vein, and blood is naturally rerouted to healthier veins. This process helps reduce the appearance and symptoms of varicose or spider veins.

Polidocanol Dosage

Use Polidocanol exactly as prescribed. The dosage may vary based on:

• The condition being treated
• Other medical conditions
• Other medications being taken
• Your response to treatment
• Weight, height, age, and gender

For varicose veins, the recommended dose is 0.1 0.3 mL per vein, with a maximum of 10 mL per treatment session. For treating incompetent large saphenous veins and accessory saphenous veins, the dose is up to 5 mL per vein, with a maximum of 15 mL per treatment session.

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

Healthcare is usually given by a healthcare provider during a procedure. If a session is missed, reschedule with your doctor.

What Happens If There is an Overdose?

Overdose Symptoms: Trouble breathing, severe swelling, or chest pain.

Emergency Steps: Seek immediate medical help or call emergency services. Provide full treatment details to healthcare professionals.

Polidocanol Side Effects

Polidocanol is a sclerosing agent commonly used in the treatment of varicose veins and spider veins. It works by irritating the inner lining of blood vessels, causing them to collapse and eventually be reabsorbed by the body. While generally safe when used properly, side effects can occur due to how polidocanol affects blood vessels, skin, and surrounding tissues.

Serious side effects with Polidocanol have been reported. Common side effects include:

• Mild local reactions at the injection site
• Ischemia of tissues and necrosis
• Venous thrombosis
• Anaphylaxis
• Anxiety
• Blue-green to black skin discoloration
• Blurred vision
• Burning, itching
• Numbness, prickling
• Tingling sensations
• Chest pain
• Cough
• Darkening of the skin
• Difficulty or labored breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fainting
• Fast breathing
• Irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
• Fever
• Inability to speak
• Increased hair growth in the treatment area
• Hives
• Swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
• Loss of consciousness
• Nerve injury
• No blood pressure or pulse
• Noisy breathing
• Pain, redness, or sloughing of the skin at the injection site
• Pain, redness, or swelling in the arm or leg
• Puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• Seizures

Precautions

Serious side effects, including severe allergic reactions, have been reported with Polidocanol. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction:

• Difficulty breathing or tightness of the throat or chest
• Decreased heart rate, chest pain, or lightheadedness
• Hives, swelling, or skin rash
• Confusion, headache, and slurred speech

Polidocanol may cause dizziness. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. Do not take Polidocanol if you:

• Are allergic to Polidocanol or any of its ingredients
• Have acute thromboembolic disease

Discuss all medical conditions and medications with your doctor before taking Polidocanol.

How Should Polidocanol Be Stored?

Polidocanol should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep it in its original packaging until use.

Recommended Storage Temperature for Polidocanol

Store at a temperature between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Avoid freezing the solution.

What Happens If Polidocanol Is Not Stored Properly?

If Polidocanol is stored improperly such as being exposed to heat or light it may lose its effectiveness or become unsafe to use. Always follow the storage instructions provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Polidocanol vs Sotradecol

References