Polidocanol
Polidocanol is a sclerosing agent used to treat small spider veins (telangiectasias) and small varicose veins (reticular veins). When injected into a vein, it damages the endothelial lining, causing platelets to aggregate and the vein to collapse, eventually being absorbed by the body.
Polidocanol is an injectable sclerosing agent used to treat spider veins and small varicose veins by damaging the vein lining so the vessel closes and is reabsorbed.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C05BB02
- RxNorm
- 968170
- Generic
- Polidocanol
- Class
- atc-c05
- Brands
- Varithena, Asclera
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection, solution
- 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
- Usual dose
- 0.5-2mL per injection site
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- single session or multiple sessions
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.1-0.2mL per cm of vein segment
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- per treatment session
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.5-2mL per injection site
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- single session or multiple sessions
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; use only if clearly needed
regular fetal monitoring and obstetric assessment
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimesteravoid if possible
defer treatment until after delivery unless urgent
fetal wellbeing monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid or discontinue breastfeeding
discontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug; pump and discard milk during treatment
monitor infant for adverse effects
geriatric
elderly over 65use lower doses
start with lowest effective dose; monitor for cardiovascular and neurological adverse effects
regular vital sign monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot recommended
not indicated for use in pediatric populations
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mild moderateno adjustment needed
use standard dosing; monitor renal function
baseline and periodic renal function tests
hepatic_impairment
mild moderateuse with caution
use standard dosing but monitor liver function; assess risk versus benefit
baseline and periodic liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for Polidocanol (Varithena) for treatment of varicose veins
Drug class
Classification as a venous sclerosing agent
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indication via sclerotherapy
Route of administration
Method of delivery for sclerotherapy procedure
Treatment of uncomplicated spider veins (telangiectasias) and uncomplicated small varicose veins (reticular veins) of the lower extremities. It is not intended for treatment of varicose veins larger than 3mm in diameter.
Polidocanol is a sclerosing agent that locally damages the endothelium (inner lining) of blood vessels. When injected intravenously, it induces endothelial damage which triggers platelet aggregation at the damaged site. The platelets attach to the vessel wall, and the vein eventually fibroses and is absorbed by the body.
Must be administered by a healthcare professional experienced in sclerotherapy techniques. The most common side effects include injection site reactions such as bruising, itching, and temporary skin discoloration. Rare but serious complications may include anaphylaxis, superficial thrombophlebitis, or tissue necrosis if extravasation occurs. Patients should be informed about expected cosmetic results, which may take weeks to months to fully appear.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
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.
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 July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy