Polidocanol (Intravenous)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 6, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

Varithena

Available Dosage Forms:

Foam
Solution

Therapeutic Class: Sclerosing Agent

Uses for polidocanol

Polidocanol injection is used to treat small varicose veins of the lower legs. Polidocanol is also used to treat incompetent great saphenous veins, accessory saphenous veins, and visible varicose veins above and below the knees. Polidocanol improves the symptoms and appearance of varicose veins. It is a type of medicine called a sclerosing agent.

Polidocanol is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.

Before using polidocanol

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For polidocanol, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to polidocanol or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of polidocanol injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of polidocanol injection in the elderly.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Polidocanol Intravenous