polidocanol

Polidocanol is a non-ionic detergent and sclerosing agent used primarily to treat small varicose veins (spider veins and reticular veins) of the lower extremities. It is also indicated for incompetent great saphenous veins, accessory saphenous veins, and visible varicose veins above and below the knees. Polidocanol works by locally damaging the endothelium of blood vessels; this injury leads to platelet aggregation at the site, followed by occlusion of the vessel with a dense network of platelets, cellular debris, and fibrin. The occluded vein is eventually replaced with connective fibrous tissue. Chemically, it consists of a polar hydrophilic (dodecyl alcohol) chain and an apolar hydrophobic (polyethylene oxide) chain. In addition to its use as a sclerosant in injectable form under brand names such as Asclera and Varithena, polidocanol has topical applications as a local anesthetic and antipruritic in ointments for eczema or dry skin[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8].

Brand names

AscleraVarithenaAethoxysklerol

Other names

polyethylene glycol monododecyl ether