How Do Sclerosing Agents Work?

Sclerosing agents are chemical compounds that act as irritants and are used to treat varicose veins (enlarged veins, most commonly appearing in the legs and feet), lymphatic malformations (rare, non-malignant masses consisting of fluid-filled channels or spaces thought to be caused by the abnormal development of the lymphatic system), and pleural effusion (a build-up of fluid between the tissues that line the lungs and the chest). Sclerotherapy is a surgical procedure wherein a sclerosing agent is injected into the blood vessels or other cavities to treat malformations. 

The sclerosing agents cause irreversible endothelial injury, leading to inflammation and vascular thrombosis that eventually leads to the formation of fibrous tissues. Sclerosing agents when injected into the blood vessels or lymphatics shrink the walls and obliterate the vessel. 

The sclerosing agents are also used to treat pleural effusion. These agents are injected into the pleural space, causing inflammation of the pleura that leads to adhesions of pleural membranes and closes the cavity, thus preventing re-accumulation of fluid in the pleural space.

Sclerosing agents are injectables used to treat:

• Varicose veins
• Bleeding esophageal varices
• Lymphangioma (noncancerous fluid-filled cyst in lymphatic vessels)
• Malignant pleural effusion 

Side effects of sclerosing agents may include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Injection site reactions
• Esophageal ulcer or stricture
• Pleural effusion
• Emphysema 
• Pulmonary embolism
• Pneumonia
• Chest pain
• Tachycardia (rapid heartbeats)
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Shortness of breath
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Fever
• Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reactions)

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand names of sclerosing agents include:

• Ethanolamine oleate (Ethamolin)
• Morrhuate sodium (Scleromate)
• Polidocanol (Asclera, Varithena)
• Sodium tetradecyl sulfate (Sotradecol, Trombovar)
• Talc powder, sterile (Sclerosol Intrapleural Aerosol, Sterile Talc Powder)