ATC Group: C05B Antivaricose therapy

Calcium dobesilate is a regulator of capillary functions. Calcium dobesilate acts on the capillary walls by regulating its impaired physiological functions – increased permeability and decreased resistance. It increases erythrocyte flexibility, inhibits platelet hyperaggregation and, in diabetic retinopathy, it reduces plasma and blood hyperviscosity, thus improving blood rheological properties and tissue irrigation.

Heparin is an anticoagulant and acts by inhibiting thrombin and by potentiating the naturally occurring inhibitors of activated Factor X (Xa).

Monoethanolamine oleate is a mild sclerosing agent indicated for the treatment of patients with esophageal varices that have recently bled, to prevent rebleeding. When injected intravenously, monoethanolamine oleate acts primarily by irritation of the intimal endothelium of the vein and produces a sterile dose-related inflammatory response. This results in fibrosis and possible occlusion of the vein.

The hypothetic mechanism of action of pentosan polysulfate includes a local effect in the bladder after systemic administration and excretion into the urine by binding of glycosaminoglycans to the deficient mucous of the bladder. It is hypothesized, that a potential barrier function of pentosan polysulfate instead of the damaged urothelial mucus might play a role as well the antiinflammatory activity of pentosan polysulfate sodium.

Polidocanol has a concentration-dependent and volume-dependent damaging effect on the endothelium of blood vessels.

Sodium tetradecyl sulfate is a sclerosing agent. 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.