Polidocanol for endovenous microfoam sclerosant therapy

Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 2009 Dec;18(12):1919-27. doi: 10.1517/13543780903376163.

Abstract

Background: Polidocanol is a liquid surfactant having endothelial cell lytic properties. In the form of a controlled, dispensed microfoam it is administered endovenously as a sclerosing agent in the treatment of varicose veins.

Objective: This review summarizes efficacy of polidocanol endovenous microfoam sclerotherapy using a proprietary dispensing system to control foam characteristics and gas content for treating varicose veins.

Methods: We reviewed in vitro, Phase I, Phase II and limited Phase III data for polidocanol microfoam with a focus on controlled foam formulation in therapy.

Results/conclusions: Clinical trials of controlled dispensing of polidocanol microfoam provide evidence of effective treatment of chronic venous insufficiency with low toxicity, minimal risk and few complications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chemistry, Pharmaceutical / instrumentation
  • Chemistry, Pharmaceutical / methods
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Dosage Forms
  • Embolism, Air / blood
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Polidocanol
  • Polyethylene Glycols / administration & dosage
  • Polyethylene Glycols / adverse effects
  • Polyethylene Glycols / therapeutic use*
  • Sclerosing Solutions / administration & dosage
  • Sclerosing Solutions / adverse effects
  • Sclerosing Solutions / therapeutic use*
  • Sclerotherapy / adverse effects
  • Sclerotherapy / instrumentation
  • Sclerotherapy / methods*
  • Varicose Veins / therapy
  • Venous Insufficiency / complications
  • Venous Insufficiency / therapy

Substances

  • Dosage Forms
  • Sclerosing Solutions
  • Polidocanol
  • Polyethylene Glycols