sodium tetradecyl sulfate

Sodium tetradecyl sulfate is an anionic surfactant and sclerosing agent used primarily in the treatment of small varicose and spider veins of the legs through a procedure called sclerotherapy. It acts by damaging the endothelial lining of blood vessels, causing inflammation (intima inflammation), thrombus formation, and subsequent fibrosis that leads to partial or complete obliteration of the vein. The mechanism involves direct toxicity to endothelial cells, exposure of thrombogenic subendothelial tissue, promotion of platelet aggregation, and possible inhibition of protein C. Sodium tetradecyl sulfate is also occasionally used for joint stabilization in certain connective tissue disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Brand names

SotradecolFibro-Vein

Other names

sodium myristyl sulfate7-ethyl-2-methyl-4-hendecanol sulfate sodium salt