What is Polidocanol: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Polidocanol is a medical foam or liquid medication that doctors inject directly into problematic veins to treat conditions like varicose veins and spider veins. This gentle but effective treatment works by causing the targeted vein walls to stick together and eventually close off, allowing your body to naturally reroute blood flow through healthier veins nearby.

What is Polidocanol?

Polidocanol is a sclerosing agent, which means it's designed to deliberately irritate and seal off specific veins. Think of it as a targeted solution that helps your body naturally redirect blood flow away from damaged or problematic veins. The medication comes in different concentrations and can be delivered as either a liquid or foam, depending on what your doctor determines will work best for your specific situation.

This treatment belongs to a class of medications called sclerosants. Healthcare providers have been using polidocanol safely for decades to treat various vein conditions. The medication is carefully administered through tiny injections directly into the affected veins, making it a minimally invasive option compared to surgical procedures.

What is Polidocanol Used For?

Polidocanol primarily treats varicose veins and spider veins that cause discomfort, cosmetic concerns, or circulation problems. Your doctor might recommend this treatment when these veins become painful, swollen, or interfere with your daily activities.

The medication works particularly well for treating smaller to medium-sized problematic veins. Many people find relief from symptoms like aching, heaviness, or burning sensations in their legs after treatment. Beyond symptom relief, polidocanol can also address the cosmetic appearance of visible veins that may make you feel self-conscious.

In some cases, doctors use polidocanol to treat other types of abnormal veins, such as reticular veins or certain types of venous malformations. Your healthcare provider will evaluate your specific condition to determine if this treatment is appropriate for your needs.

How Does Polidocanol Work?

Polidocanol works by causing controlled inflammation inside the targeted vein walls. When injected, the medication irritates the inner lining of the vein, causing it to swell and stick together. This process essentially seals the vein shut, stopping blood flow through that particular pathway.

Over the following weeks and months, your body naturally absorbs the closed vein tissue. Meanwhile, blood flow automatically redirects through other healthy veins in the area. This is completely safe because your body has an extensive network of veins, and losing a few problematic ones doesn't affect your overall circulation.

This is considered a moderately strong treatment that produces reliable results for most people. The medication is potent enough to effectively close off veins, but gentle enough that serious complications are uncommon when administered by experienced healthcare providers.

How Should I Take Polidocanol?

Polidocanol is administered only by healthcare professionals in a clinical setting, so you don't need to worry about taking it yourself. The treatment typically involves a series of small injections directly into the problematic veins using a very fine needle.

Before your treatment, your doctor may ask you to avoid certain medications like aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs for a few days. You should also wear loose, comfortable clothing and avoid applying lotions or creams to the treatment area on the day of your appointment.

After the procedure, you'll likely need to wear compression stockings for a specified period to help the treated veins close properly. Your doctor will provide specific instructions about activity levels, when you can shower, and what to watch for during recovery.

How Long Should I Take Polidocanol For?

Polidocanol treatment typically involves multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart rather than ongoing daily medication. Most people need between 2 to 6 treatment sessions to achieve optimal results, depending on the size and number of veins being treated.

Each individual session takes about 15 to 45 minutes, and you'll schedule follow-up appointments based on how well your veins respond to the initial treatment. Your doctor will monitor your progress and determine when you've achieved the desired results.

Once your treatment series is complete, the results are generally permanent for the treated veins. However, you may develop new vein problems over time, which could require additional treatments in the future.

What Are the Side Effects of Polidocanol?

Most people experience only mild side effects from polidocanol treatment, and serious complications are relatively uncommon. Understanding what to expect can help you feel more prepared and confident about your treatment.

Common side effects that many people experience include temporary discomfort at the injection sites, mild swelling, and some bruising around the treated areas. These typically resolve within a few days to a week.

• Temporary pain or stinging at injection sites
• Mild swelling in the treated area
• Bruising that may last 1-2 weeks
• Temporary darkening of the skin along the treated vein
• Itching or mild irritation
• Small bumps or lumps that usually fade over time

These common reactions are generally signs that the medication is working as intended. Your body is responding to the treatment, and these effects typically improve as healing progresses.

Less common but more significant side effects can occasionally occur, though they affect a smaller percentage of people. Being aware of these possibilities helps you recognize when to contact your healthcare provider.

• Allergic reactions ranging from mild rash to more serious symptoms
• Blood clots in treated or nearby veins
• Permanent skin discoloration in rare cases
• Nerve damage causing numbness or tingling
• Tissue death in very rare instances
• Vision changes or headaches if medication accidentally enters arterial circulation

While these more serious side effects are uncommon, it's important to contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe pain, signs of infection, or any concerning symptoms after treatment.

Who Should Not Take Polidocanol?

Certain health conditions and circumstances make polidocanol treatment inappropriate or potentially dangerous. Your doctor will carefully review your medical history to ensure this treatment is safe for you.

People with severe circulation problems, active infections in the treatment area, or known allergies to polidocanol should not receive this treatment. Additionally, if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, most doctors recommend waiting until after this period.

Your healthcare provider will also consider other factors that might affect your treatment safety and effectiveness:

• History of blood clots or clotting disorders
• Severe heart, lung, or kidney disease
• Active cancer or recent cancer treatment
• Severe diabetes with circulation complications
• Inability to walk or remain mobile after treatment
• Current use of blood thinners or certain medications

Having one of these conditions doesn't automatically disqualify you from treatment, but it means your doctor will need to carefully weigh the benefits and risks for your specific situation.

Polidocanol Brand Names

Polidocanol is available under several brand names, with Asclera being the most commonly used version in the United States. This FDA-approved formulation comes in different concentrations to treat various sizes of veins.

Other brand names include Aethoxysklerol, which is widely used in Europe and other parts of the world. Your healthcare provider will choose the specific brand and concentration based on your individual needs and the characteristics of your vein condition.

Regardless of the brand name, all polidocanol medications work through the same basic mechanism and have similar safety profiles when administered by qualified healthcare professionals.

Polidocanol Alternatives

Several alternative treatments exist for vein conditions if polidocanol isn't suitable for your situation. Your doctor can help you explore these options based on your specific needs, health status, and treatment goals.

Sodium tetradecyl sulfate is another sclerosing agent that works similarly to polidocanol but may be preferred in certain situations. Some people respond better to one medication over another, and your doctor might try different options to find what works best for you.

Non-injection alternatives include laser therapy, radiofrequency ablation, and traditional surgical procedures like vein stripping. These approaches may be more appropriate for larger veins or when sclerotherapy isn't effective.

Conservative treatments like compression stockings, lifestyle changes, and elevation can also help manage symptoms, though they typically don't eliminate the problematic veins entirely.

Is Polidocanol Better Than Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate?

Both polidocanol and sodium tetradecyl sulfate are effective sclerosing agents, but they have different strengths and characteristics. Neither medication is universally "better" than the other, as the best choice depends on your specific vein condition and individual factors.

Polidocanol is often considered gentler and may cause less pain during injection, making it more comfortable for many people. It also tends to have a lower risk of causing severe skin reactions or tissue damage when accidentally injected outside the vein.

Sodium tetradecyl sulfate, on the other hand, may be more effective for certain types of veins and can sometimes achieve results with fewer treatment sessions. Your doctor will consider factors like the size and location of your veins, your pain tolerance, and your medical history when choosing between these options.

Many experienced healthcare providers are skilled with both medications and will select the one most likely to give you the best results with the fewest side effects.