Polidocanol
About
Polidocanol belongs to the group of sclerosing agents mainly used in the treatment of varicose veins. Varicose veins are engorged, pigmented, and tortuous veins (seen in the legs), that occur when misdirection of blood flow causes blood to pool, giving legs an unsightly appearance. Common symptoms include redness, pain, itching, heaviness, and the feeling of being weighed down.
Polidocanol contains ‘’Polidocanol.’’ Polidocanol works by damaging the inner lining of the engorged blood vessels, helping them narrow and close off and ultimately pave the way for fresh, new tissue and endothelium.
A qualified medical professional will administer Polidocanol. Do not self-administer. In some cases, Polidocanol may cause certain common side effects such as pain, swelling, redness at the injection site, and skin pigmentation. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if these side effects persist.
Before taking this medicine, inform the doctor if you have any known pre-existing cardiovascular disease, congenital heart conditions or shunts, embolic disease, venous thromboembolism, renal impairment, or irregular menstrual bleeding. Exercise caution in case of systemic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, epilepsy, thyroid problems, asthma, TB, or any respiratory diseases. Avoid Polidocanol in case of a high risk of thrombosis. Avoid Polidocanol in case you have been immobilized for a long period. Report any symptoms such as labored breathing, shortness of breath, hives, anxiety, flushing, or slurred speech to the doctor immediately, in case you notice these after injection with Polidocanol. Inform the doctor if you are on any blood thinners, birth control pills, or heart medications. Please consult your doctor before taking Polidocanol during pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding. Do not take Polidocanol with alcohol.
Uses of Polidocanol
Medicinal Benefits
Polidocanol is a sclerosing agent. It contains ‘’Polidocanol.’’ Sclerotherapy is the injecting of a sclerosing agent such as foam, into a vein, to chip away (sclerose) the inner lining of the engorged blood vessel. It is used to treat varicose veins. Polidocanol may also find application in dentistry.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Polidocanol
- Pain
- Swelling
- Redness at injection site
- Skin pigmentation
- Intravenous clots
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Before taking this medicine, inform the doctor if you have any known pre-existing cardiovascular disease, congenital heart conditions or shunts, embolic disease, venous thromboembolism, renal impairment, or irregular menstrual bleeding. Exercise caution in case of systemic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, epilepsy, thyroid problems, asthma, TB, or any respiratory diseases. Avoid Polidocanol in case of a high risk of thrombosis. Avoid Polidocanol in case you have been immobilized for a long period. Report any symptoms such as labored breathing, shortness of breath, hives, anxiety, flushing, or slurred speech to the doctor immediately, in case you notice these after injection with Polidocanol. Inform the doctor if you are on any blood thinners, birth control pills, or heart medications. Please consult your doctor before taking Polidocanol during pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding. Do not take Polidocanol with alcohol. Inform the doctor right away about any previous or impending surgeries.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Polidocanol may interact with blood thinner/antiplatelet drug (clopidogrel, warfarin, dabigatran) and hormones.
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Polidocanol should be used with caution in patients with a known hypersensitivity disorder, thromboembolic disorder, bleeding or clotting disorder and haemorrhage.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeConsumption of alcohol with Polidocanol is not recommended. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Pregnancy
cautionThere is not enough literature to ascertain the effects of Polidocanol on pregnancy. However, caution is advised as reproductive toxicity has been noted. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Breast Feeding
cautionThere is not enough literature to explain the effects of Polidocanol on lactation. However, it is best to exercise caution. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Driving
cautionThere is not enough literature to explain the effects of Polidocanol on driving. Do not drive if you experience any side-effects that alter your thinking ability or concentration.
Liver
cautionThere is not enough literature to explain the effects of Polidocanol on the liver. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Kidney
cautionThere is not enough literature to explain the effects of Polidocanol on the kidney. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Children
cautionNot enough information is available on the effects of Polidocanol on children below 12 years of age. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Let your doctor know if you are planning to get pregnant or are breastfeeding.
- Weight is a major factor in the causes of varicose veins. Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly.
- Wearing compression garments around the area of the varicose veins can also be very effective in treating the condition.
- Surgical shoes/sandals can also ease walking with varicose vein-ridden legs.
- Elevating the legs while sitting can increase the blood flow and encourage drainage.
- Limit your intake of salt, as it can cause water retention and lead to edema.
- Avoid wearing high heels as this can put a lot of pressure on the already constricted veins.
Special Advise
Please inform the doctor immediately if you notice any anaphylaxis (allergy, skin changes, difficulty in breathing, anxiety, confusion, dizziness, etc), or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Varicose Veins: Varicose veins are constricted, twisted and enlarged veins in the lower limbs that occur due to malfunction of valves that causes blood to pool in the veins leading to heaviness, itching, swelling and pain. For most people, the cause is generally harmless. It is a superficial condition, more or less. Rarely, they may be symptomatic of an underlying circulatory problem.
FAQs
Polidocanol works by sclerosing/chipping away and removing the inner lining of engorged blood vessels, thereby reducing the size and diameter of varicose veins.
Women over 50 and smokers are advised to exercise caution while using Polidocanol. Please consult your doctor before use.
Varicose veins are treated with medicine and with conservative methods like socks and stocking. So, please continue using any compression you were using while taking Polidocanol. In case of any further concerns, it is best to consult your doctor for a detailed treatment regimen.
This depends on various factors and the severity of the varicose veins. They usually take about 3-4 months to go.
There are many conservative measures and medicines to tackle the problem of varicose veins. However, in a minority of cases, surgery may be warranted. Please consult your doctor for proper advice on the same.
