Sodium Tetradecyl Sulphate is a sclerosing agent drug developed by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration and initially approved for treating varicose veins and spider veins.

Sodium Tetradecyl Sulphate is used in the treatment of varicose veins and spider veins. This medication is often employed in procedures known as sclerotherapy, where the compound is injected directly into the affected veins.

A doctor or nurse in a hospital or clinic setting will give it to you. Sodium Tetradecyl Sulphate is administered through injection directly into the affected vein. The specific dosage and number of injections depend on the size and location of the vein being treated. Do not self-administer the injection. 

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Sodium Tetradecyl Sulphate are 

pain or burning sensation at the injection site, superficial inflammation of the vein, skin discoloration, growth of very fine spider veins, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Some serious side effects also include allergic reactions (asthma, hay fever, anaphylactic shock), blood circulation failure (blackouts, fatigue, fainting, chest pain), stroke, and blood clots in the lungs.

Do not receive this injection if you are allergic to Sodium Tetradecyl Sulphate or any of the other ingredients in the medicine. Individuals with a history of blood clotting disorders or deep vein thrombosis should exercise caution. This drug can potentially increase the risk of clot formation. Individuals suffering from migraines, issues with leg veins associated with long-term swelling conditions (Lymphoedema), or pulmonary hypertension should inform their doctor. History of transient ischemic attack (TIA), serious cerebral events, diagnosed arterial or venous diseases (atherosclerosis), severe inflammation and clotting in hands and feet (Buerger’s disease), and controlled breathing difficulties (asthma) should also be notified with your doctor. 

In rare cases, this drug has been noted that it may worsen local pain and inflammation for days or weeks in individuals with lymphoedema. Always consult with your physician to ensure personalized and safe use of this drug based on your medical history and conditions. No limited information is available on this drug's use during pregnancy. Hence, if you are pregnant, suspecting, or planning for the pregnancy, consult your physician for more advice before taking Sodium Tetradecyl Sulphate. Physicians may prescribe this medicine only when it is needed. There is insufficient evidence and data regarding the safety and effectiveness of this drug in children and adults.

If you're unable to drive after taking Sodium Tetradecyl Sulphate, consider alternative transportation methods such as public transportation, rideshare services, or having someone else drive you. In some cases, the injection and subsequent treatment may cause temporary discomfort, and there could be reduced sensation in the treated area. This can affect your ability to operate machinery safely.

1. STD Pharmaceutical Products Ltd., Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Sep 2021] [Accessed on 7th Oct 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1199.pdf
2. Mylan Institutional LLC, [Revised on Jan 2019] [Accessed on 7th Oct 2023], https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=f1756c28-dcd2-4b49-be62-07ca20682018&type=display
3. S.H. Ibbotson, R.S. Dawe, Skin disease, Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, 22nd Edition, 2014, 1249-1305.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.