Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 3, 2023.

Applies to the following strengths: 1%; 3%

Usual Adult Dose for:

Varicose Vein

Additional dosage information:

Renal Dose Adjustments
Liver Dose Adjustments
Precautions
Dialysis
Other Comments

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.

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Precautions

Sodium tetradecyl sulfate should only be administered by a physician familiar with the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the venous system and with the proper injection technique. Extravasation may result in severe local adverse reactions including necrosis. Extreme care in needle placement and use of the minimal effective volume at each injection site are recommended.

To avoid anaphylactic shock, a small (0.5 mL) dose of sodium tetradecyl sulfate should be injected into a varicosity and the patient observed for several hours. The appropriate treatments should be readily available should the patient experience an allergic reaction.

Deep venous patency must be determined prior to initiation of sodium tetradecyl sulfate treatment to avoid the development of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Venous sclerotherapy should not be initiated in patients showing significant valvular or deep venous incompetence. Patients should be evaluated following treatment to assess for the development of deep vein thrombosis, as embolism may occur as long as four weeks after injection. Adequate post-treatment compression may decrease the incidence of deep vein thrombosis.

The benefit-to-risk ratio should be considered in patients who are great surgical risks.

Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients have not been established.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

The strength of the solution required depends on the size and degree of the varicosity. In general, the 1% solution will be effective in the treatment of most varicosities. The 3% solution should be reserved for larger varicosities.