Ethanolamine oleate

Generic name: ethanolamine oleate [ ETH-a-NOLE-a-meen-OH-lee-ate ]
Brand name: Ethamolin
Dosage form: injectable solution (50 mg/mL)
Drug class: Sclerosing agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 25, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is ethanolamine oleate?

Ethanolamine oleate is a sclerosing (skler-OS-ing) agent that is used to treat esophageal varices (dilated blood vessels inside the tissues lining the esophagus or upper part of the stomach). Esophageal varices is a life-threatening condition that causes severe bleeding from the esophagus into the throat or intestines.

Esophageal varices is common in people with severe liver disease. Ethanolamine oleate will not treat any underlying liver disease.

Ethanolamine oleate is only for treating esophageal varices that have recently bled. ethanolamine oleate is not for treating varicose veins in the legs.

Ethanolamine oleate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Ethanolamine oleate side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your medical caregivers right away if you have:

• fever, chills, cough with yellow or green mucus;

• chest pain, feeling short of breath;

• severe pain or burning in your upper stomach; or

• fluid build-up in or around the lungs--pain when you breathe, feeling short of breath while lying down, wheezing, gasping for breath, cough with foamy mucus, cold and clammy skin, anxiety, rapid heartbeats.

Common side effects of ethanolamine oleate may include:

• low fever; or

• trouble swallowing.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use ethanolamine oleate if you are allergic to ethanolamine oleate or oleic acid (oleo).

If possible during an emergency, tell your medical caregivers if you've ever had:

• kidney disease;

• heart disease; or

• lung disease.

If possible during an emergency, tell your medical caregivers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows you have received this medication.

How is ethanolamine oleate given?

Ethanolamine oleate is injected into a vein by a healthcare provider in an emergency setting.

Ethanolamine oleate is usually given during a bleeding episode and again at 1 week, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months afterward.

Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis.

Ethanolamine oleate dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Esophageal Varices:

Initial dose: 1.5 to 5.0 mL IV per varix up to a maximum of 20 mL per treatment session

What happens if I miss a dose?

In a medical setting you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.

What should I avoid after receiving ethanolamine oleate?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect ethanolamine oleate?

Other drugs may affect ethanolamine oleate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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