ATC Group: C05BB Sclerosing agents for local injection

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.

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.