Sodium tetradecyl sulfate
Brand names: Fibrovein, Sotradecol
Sodium tetradecyl sulfate is a sclerosant injected to treat varicose veins and other unwanted veins by sclerotherapy.
ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.
Clinical monograph
How it works
As a detergent sclerosant it damages the venous endothelium, provoking inflammation and fibrosis that obliterate the treated vein.
Prescribing in practice
- Inadvertent extravasation or intra-arterial injection can cause tissue necrosis, and anaphylaxis and deep vein thrombosis are recognised risks, so it should be administered only by clinicians trained in sclerotherapy.
- A small test injection is advisable to identify hypersensitivity before fuller treatment.
- Compression and post-procedure mobilisation are used to reduce the risk of thrombotic complications.
Monitoring
Observe the injection site and patient for hypersensitivity, extravasation and signs of venous thromboembolism after treatment.
Counselling the patient
- Wear the compression bandaging or stockings as instructed after the procedure.
- Keep mobile and report calf pain, swelling, skin ulceration or breathlessness.
- Some bruising, pigmentation and discomfort at treated sites is expected.
Evidence & guidelines
Sodium tetradecyl sulfate is an established detergent sclerosant for varicose vein sclerotherapy.
Reference: NICE CG168/IPG440; SmPC; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.