Sodium tetradecyl sulfate

Generic name: sodium tetradecyl sulfate [ SOO-dee-um-TET-ra-DES-il-SUL-fate ]
Brand name: Sotradecol
Dosage form: injectable solution (1%; 3%)
Drug class: Sclerosing agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on May 3, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is sodium tetradecyl sulfate?

Sodium tetradecyl sulfate is a sclerosing (skler-OH-sing) agent. It works by increasing the formation of blood clots and scar tissue inside certain types of veins. This helps decrease dilation of enlarged veins.

Sodium tetradecyl sulfate is used to treat small uncomplicated varicose veins in the legs.

Sodium tetradecyl sulfate is not a cure for varicose veins and the effects of this medication may not be permanent.

Sodium tetradecyl sulfate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Sodium tetradecyl sulfate side effects

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

Sodium tetradecyl sulfate may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• pain or swelling in one or both legs;

• chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, fast heart rate; or

• pain, itching, peeling, skin sores, or skin changes where the medicine was injected.

Common side effects of sodium tetradecyl sulfate may include:

• mild headache;

• nausea, vomiting; or

• discolored skin along the treated vein (may be permanent).

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

You should not receive sodium tetradecyl sulfate if you are bedridden due to serious illness, or if you have a blood clot, a bleeding disorder, allergies, cancer, severe blood infection, or any untreated or uncontrolled disease.

Before taking this medicine

You should not receive sodium tetradecyl sulfate if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• a blood clot disorder such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or thrombophlebitis (swelling of a vein caused by a blood clot);

• Buerger's disease (a blood clotting disorder affecting the arms and legs);

• allergies;

• cancer;

• a severe infection of your blood (sepsis);

• any untreated or uncontrolled disease such as diabetes, overactive thyroid, tuberculosis, asthma, blood cell disorder, or skin disease; or

• if you are bed-ridden due to severe illness.

Sodium tetradecyl sulfate should not be used to treat varicose veins that are caused by a tumor in your stomach or pelvis area, unless the tumor has been surgically removed.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether sodium tetradecyl sulfate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is sodium tetradecyl sulfate given?

Sodium tetradecyl sulfate is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

You will be watched closely for several hours after your injection, to make sure this medication is not causing harmful effects.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when the medicine is injected.

You may need to wear compression stockings for several days or weeks after your treatment. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about caring for yourself after receiving this medication.

Sodium tetradecyl sulfate dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Varicose Vein:

Initial dose: 0.5 mL to 2 mL for each injection, with a preferred 1 mL maximum per injection and 10 mL maximum per treatment session. The dosage should be kept as small as possible.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Because you will receive sodium tetradecyl sulfate in a clinical setting, you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Since sodium tetradecyl sulfate is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid while receiving sodium tetradecyl sulfate?

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

What other drugs will affect sodium tetradecyl sulfate?

Tell your doctor if you are taking birth control pills or other medications that stop or prevent ovulation (ovaries releasing eggs).

Other drugs may interact with sodium tetradecyl sulfate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

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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