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Ethanolamine Oleate

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: August 24, 2026

Ethanolamine Oleate is a sclerosing agent used to treat varicose veins, esophageal varices, and hemorrhoids. It works by irritating the lining of blood vessels, causing inflammation and eventual fibrosis that closes off the affected vein.

Quick summary

Ethanolamine Oleate is an injectable sclerosing agent used to treat varicose veins and esophageal varices by causing treated veins to scar closed.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 24, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ATC
C05BB01
RxNorm
24460
Generic
Ethanolamine Oleate
Class
atc-c05
Brands
Ethamolin
Availability
rx
Pregnancy
C
Lactation
caution
Routes
—
Forms
injection
Regions
US, EU, CN, JP
Monitoring
—

This page is for informational purposes only.

Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

Dosage and administration

adult (standard)tablet
Usual dose
500mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
pediatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
250mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
400mg daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Single dose that may cause serious toxicity - approximate threshold based on available toxicological data
Chronic overdose: Cumulative exposure leading to systemic toxicity and organ damage
Immediate actions
Discontinue administration, gastric lavage within 1-2 hours if ingested, activated charcoal, supportive care, monitoring of vital signs and organ function
Antidote
No specific antidote exists - treatment is supportive and symptomatic(Supportive care is the primary treatment modality; effectiveness depends on early intervention)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

8 groups
✗

pregnancy

first trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

pregnancy

second trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

use lowest effective dose

Key Recommendations

use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh risks

Monitor

fetal monitoring and uterine activity assessment

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

pregnancy

third trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

use lowest effective dose

Key Recommendations

use only if benefits outweigh risks

Monitor

fetal monitoring and preterm labor assessment

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

?

lactation

breastfeeding
unknown
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

not recommended

Key Recommendations

discontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug; decision should be made considering importance of treatment to mother

Monitor

monitor infant for adverse effects

⚠

geriatric

elderly
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

dose reduction may be required based on organ function

Key Recommendations

use with caution due to potential decreased hepatic and renal function; start at lower end of dosing range

Monitor

monitor renal function, hepatic function, and cardiovascular status

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

pediatric_age

children adolescents
unsafe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

not recommended

Key Recommendations

not recommended for use in pediatric populations due to limited safety and efficacy data

Monitor

not applicable

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

renal_impairment

moderate to severe
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

use with caution and monitor renal function

Key Recommendations

adjust dose based on renal function; consider reducing dose in patients with CrCl less than 50 mL/min

Monitor

regular monitoring of renal function (creatinine, BUN)

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

hepatic_impairment

cirrhosis
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

dose adjustment may be required based on severity

Key Recommendations

use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment; this is the primary indication population for variceal treatment but requires careful monitoring

Monitor

monitor liver function tests, coagulation parameters, and for signs of hepatic encephalopathy

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

Statistics and clinical data

prescribingFDA
2023

Commonly prescribed since

Value:1970s

General prescribing information

Sclerosing AgentWHO
2023

Value:Sclerosing agent

Drug class information

usageMedical guidelines
2023

Common uses

Value:Treatment of varicose veins, esophageal varices

Common therapeutic uses

mechanismPharmacological databases
2023

Mechanism of action

Value:Causes irritation and fibrosis of vein walls leading to vein closure

Pharmacological mechanism

Primarily used to treat esophageal varices (dilated veins in the esophagus that can bleed) and hemorrhoids. May also be used for varicose veins in the legs.

As a sclerosing agent, it causes chemical irritation to the inner lining of blood vessels, triggering inflammation that leads to fibrosis (scarring) and eventual closure of the treated vein.

Administered by injection directly into the affected vein by a healthcare professional. Requires careful technique due to risk of tissue damage if administered incorrectly. May cause pain at injection site. Contraindicated in patients with acute infections or certain vascular conditions. Monitor for allergic reactions.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment

Official drug label

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy