An anionic surface-active agent used for its wetting properties in industry and used in medicine as an irritant and sclerosing agent for hemorrhoids and varicose veins.
Indication
For the treatment of small uncomplicated varicose veins of the lower extremities that show simple dilation with competent valves.
Pharmacology
Sodium tetradecyl sulfate is an anionic surfactant which occurs as a white, waxy solid. It is used as a sclerosing agent in sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy is an injection of a sclerosing agent directly through the skin into a lesion and is used primarily for slow-flow vascular anomalies, particularly for venous malformation and lymphatic malformation. Intravenous injection causes intima inflammation and thrombus formation. This usually occludes the injected vein. Subsequent formation of fibrous tissue results in partial or complete vein obliteration that may or may not be permanent.
Toxicity
LD50=1250 mg/kg (Orally in rat); LD50=3 ml/kg (Skin in rat)
