Aethoxysklerol: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects
A sclerosing agent containing lauromacrogol 400 used for the treatment of varicose veins, spider veins, hemorrhoids, and esophageal varices through controlled vessel obliteration
Aethoxysklerol (lauromacrogol 400, also known as polidocanol) is a sclerosing agent used in sclerotherapy to treat a range of vascular conditions. When injected into or near a blood vessel, it causes controlled endothelial damage that leads to inflammation, fibrosis, and ultimately the closure of the treated vessel. The entire sclerosing process takes approximately four weeks. Aethoxysklerol is available in three strengths (5 mg/ml, 10 mg/ml, and 30 mg/ml) and can be administered as a liquid or as microfoam. It is used to treat spider veins (telangiectasias), varicose veins of all sizes, hemorrhoids (grades I and II), and bleeding from gastroduodenal lesions or esophageal varices. Aethoxysklerol also possesses local anesthetic properties, which help reduce pain during the injection procedure.
Quick Facts: Aethoxysklerol
Key Takeaways
- Aethoxysklerol (lauromacrogol 400 / polidocanol) is a non-ionic surfactant and sclerosing agent that causes controlled inflammation inside blood vessels, leading them to close and be reabsorbed over approximately four weeks.
- It is approved for treating spider veins (telangiectasias), varicose veins of all sizes, hemorrhoids (grades I–II), and bleeding from gastroduodenal lesions or esophageal varices, with three different strengths available depending on the indication.
- The medication can be administered as a liquid solution or as microfoam; foam sclerotherapy is particularly effective for larger varicose veins and is often performed under ultrasound guidance.
- The maximum daily dose must not exceed 2 mg/kg body weight for vein sclerotherapy; for foam preparations, no more than 10 ml of foam should be used per session regardless of concentration.
- Aethoxysklerol has a built-in local anesthetic effect that reduces pain during the injection, and compression of the treated area after the procedure improves outcomes and reduces complications.
What Is Aethoxysklerol and What Is It Used For?
Aethoxysklerol contains the active substance lauromacrogol 400, a non-ionic surfactant that produces a controlled inflammatory reaction when it comes into contact with the inner lining (endothelium) of blood vessels. This process, known as sclerotherapy, has been used in clinical medicine for decades and remains one of the most widely practiced minimally invasive treatments for venous disorders worldwide. The drug is manufactured by Chemische Fabrik Kreussler & Co. GmbH in Wiesbaden, Germany, and is available under regulatory approval in numerous countries across Europe, Asia, South America, and other regions.
The mechanism of action of Aethoxysklerol is based on its detergent properties. When injected into a blood vessel, lauromacrogol 400 disrupts the lipid bilayer of endothelial cell membranes, causing irreversible cellular damage to the vessel wall. This endothelial injury triggers a cascade of events: platelets adhere to the damaged surface, a thrombus (clot) forms locally, and an inflammatory response ensues. Over the following weeks, the body’s natural healing process replaces the damaged vessel with fibrous tissue, effectively sealing it shut. Blood that previously flowed through the treated vessel is rerouted to healthier veins. The entire obliteration process is typically complete within approximately four weeks.
An important additional property of lauromacrogol 400 is its local anesthetic effect. The drug reversibly blocks sodium channels in nerve fibers, providing temporary pain relief at the injection site. This dual action—sclerosing and anesthetic—distinguishes Aethoxysklerol from many other sclerosing agents and contributes to improved patient comfort during the procedure.
Aethoxysklerol is approved and used for the treatment of the following conditions:
- Spider veins (telangiectasias): These are small, dilated blood vessels visible near the surface of the skin, typically measuring less than 1 mm in diameter. They appear as fine red, blue, or purple lines and are most commonly found on the legs and face. Aethoxysklerol 5 mg/ml is the standard concentration used for treating telangiectasias. The injection is placed directly into or very close to the tiny vessel, causing it to blanch and eventually disappear.
- Varicose veins (varices): Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that occur when venous valves become incompetent, allowing blood to pool and the vein to dilate. They range from small reticular veins (1–3 mm) to large trunk varicosities of the great and small saphenous veins. Aethoxysklerol is available in three concentrations to match the size of the vein being treated: 5 mg/ml for reticular veins, 10 mg/ml for small to medium varicose veins, and 30 mg/ml for medium to large varicose veins. Both liquid and foam sclerotherapy techniques can be employed.
- Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids are swollen vascular cushions in the anal canal. Aethoxysklerol 30 mg/ml is used for the injection treatment of grade I and grade II hemorrhoids. The injection is placed submucosally just above the hemorrhoid’s base, causing it to shrink and symptoms such as bleeding and prolapse to resolve, typically within one week.
- Gastroduodenal bleeding: Aethoxysklerol 10 mg/ml can be used endoscopically to control acute bleeding from gastric or duodenal lesions such as ulcers. The injection is placed in the tissue around the bleeding site, causing local swelling that compresses the bleeding vessel.
- Esophageal varices: Esophageal varices are dilated veins in the esophagus, most commonly caused by portal hypertension in liver disease. Aethoxysklerol 10 mg/ml is used for endoscopic sclerotherapy to control variceal bleeding and to obliterate varices through repeated treatment sessions.
Aethoxysklerol can be prepared as a microfoam by mixing the liquid solution with air using a specialized device (EasyFoam Kit). Foam has several advantages over liquid sclerotherapy for treating larger veins: it displaces blood from the vein more effectively, allowing greater contact between the sclerosant and the vessel wall; it is visible on ultrasound, enabling precise placement; and it allows treatment of longer vein segments with a smaller volume of drug. The standard ratio is 1 part Aethoxysklerol to 4.6 parts air, and the maximum foam volume per session is 10 ml.
What Should You Know Before Receiving Aethoxysklerol?
Contraindications
Aethoxysklerol must not be administered in certain clinical situations. Your doctor will assess these carefully before proceeding with treatment. The contraindications depend on the specific condition being treated:
For spider veins and varicose veins:
- Known allergy (hypersensitivity) to lauromacrogol 400 or any of the other ingredients
- Skin atrophy (fragile, thin skin) in the treatment area
- Infectious skin diseases or skin conditions with a risk of sepsis in the affected region
- Edema (swelling) caused by impaired venous return
- Diabetes mellitus with impaired peripheral arterial circulation (small vessel disease)
- Peripheral arterial occlusive disease
- Immobility or bed rest
- Acute or recent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or increased thrombotic risk; at least one month of symptom-free status is required after a superficial thrombotic event before vein sclerotherapy can resume
- Symptomatic right-to-left cardiac shunt (e.g., patent foramen ovale with paradoxical embolism) — specifically for foam sclerotherapy, as foam bubbles could potentially cross into the arterial circulation
For hemorrhoids:
- Known allergy to lauromacrogol 400 or any excipient
- Acute inflammation of the rectum (acute proctitis)
For gastroduodenal bleeding or esophageal varices:
- Known allergy to lauromacrogol 400 or any excipient
- Heart failure (reduced cardiac pump function)
- Electrocardiographic evidence of atrioventricular (AV) block
Warnings and Precautions
Even when Aethoxysklerol is not contraindicated, extra caution is required in certain situations. Inform your healthcare provider if you have or have had any of the following conditions, as your treatment may need to be modified or you may require closer monitoring:
For spider veins and varicose veins:
- Heart failure of any degree
- Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) with high blood pressure
- Asthma or other respiratory conditions
- Liver or kidney disease
- Asymptomatic right-to-left cardiac shunt — caution is advised for foam sclerotherapy even when the shunt does not cause symptoms
- Previous visual disturbances, psychiatric symptoms, or neurological problems after foam sclerotherapy — repeat foam treatment should be avoided in such patients
For hemorrhoids:
- Fever or signs of systemic infection
For gastroduodenal bleeding or esophageal varices:
- Heart failure
- Kidney disease
- Asthma
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism are rare but serious potential complications of sclerotherapy. After treatment of varicose veins, your doctor may recommend that you wear compression stockings and stay mobile. Report any sudden leg swelling, chest pain, or difficulty breathing immediately. These symptoms require urgent medical evaluation.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
There is no clinical experience with the use of Aethoxysklerol during pregnancy. Because adequate safety data are not available, Aethoxysklerol is generally not recommended for use in pregnant women. Varicose vein treatment during pregnancy is typically deferred until after delivery, as many pregnancy-related varicose veins improve spontaneously postpartum.
It is not known whether lauromacrogol 400 or its metabolites pass into human breast milk. As a precautionary measure, the potential risks and benefits should be carefully considered before administering Aethoxysklerol to breastfeeding women. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, tell your doctor before receiving this medication.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Aethoxysklerol has no known effect on the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, individual patients may feel lightheaded or experience vasovagal reactions (fainting) after sclerotherapy sessions. If you experience any such symptoms, you should avoid driving until they have fully resolved.
Important Information About Excipients
Aethoxysklerol contains small amounts of ethanol (alcohol), approximately 42 mg per ml (corresponding to 5% v/v). This amount may be harmful for individuals with alcohol use disorder and should be taken into account when treating patients with liver disease, epilepsy, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children. The solution also contains very small amounts of potassium (less than 0.5 mmol per ampoule) and sodium (less than 0.5 mmol per ampoule), making it essentially potassium-free and sodium-free.
How Does Aethoxysklerol Interact with Other Drugs?
Although Aethoxysklerol is administered locally (injected directly into or near blood vessels), it can be absorbed systemically and therefore has the potential to interact with other medications. The two most clinically relevant interaction categories involve anticoagulants and local anesthetics. Your treating physician will take your medication history into account before initiating sclerotherapy.
Lauromacrogol 400 possesses a mild anticoagulant effect, meaning it can slightly inhibit blood clotting. In patients who are already receiving anticoagulant therapy (blood thinners), this additional anticoagulant activity may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding or bruising at the injection site. Conversely, the sclerotherapy effect depends partly on thrombus formation within the treated vessel, and excessive anticoagulation may theoretically reduce treatment effectiveness. The clinical significance of these interactions is generally considered low for most patients, but your doctor should be aware of all blood-thinning medications you use.
The local anesthetic property of Aethoxysklerol is mediated through sodium channel blockade, the same mechanism employed by dedicated local anesthetics such as lidocaine and bupivacaine. When Aethoxysklerol is combined with other local or regional anesthetics, the additive effect on sodium channels may increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects, including changes in heart rate or blood pressure. This interaction is particularly relevant during procedures that involve both sclerotherapy and local anesthesia in the same session.
| Drug/Class | Interaction Type | Clinical Significance | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warfarin / Coumarins | Additive anticoagulant effect | Moderate | Monitor INR; may need dose adjustment. Increased bruising possible. |
| Heparin / LMWH | Additive anticoagulant effect | Moderate | Inform physician; monitor for excessive bleeding at injection site. |
| DOACs (e.g., rivaroxaban, apixaban) | Additive anticoagulant effect | Low to moderate | Inform physician; generally does not require treatment interruption. |
| Antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel) | Increased bruising risk | Low | No dose change needed; expect more bruising post-procedure. |
| Local anesthetics (lidocaine, bupivacaine) | Additive cardiovascular effects | Moderate | Use caution when combining; monitor cardiovascular parameters. |
Patients should also inform their healthcare provider about any herbal supplements or over-the-counter medications they are taking, as some (such as fish oil, ginkgo biloba, or high-dose vitamin E) may have additional antiplatelet or anticoagulant effects. While formal interaction studies with these substances have not been conducted, it is good clinical practice to disclose all medications and supplements before any medical procedure.
What Is the Correct Dosage of Aethoxysklerol?
Aethoxysklerol is always administered by a qualified healthcare professional experienced in sclerotherapy techniques. It is not a medication that patients can self-administer. The dosage, concentration, and injection technique vary significantly depending on the condition being treated. Before initiating treatment, your doctor will select the appropriate Aethoxysklerol strength and determine the optimal injection volume based on the size and location of the vessels to be treated.
Spider Veins (Telangiectasias)
Aethoxysklerol 5 mg/ml
Intravascular technique: Inject until vessel blanching occurs, typically <0.5 ml per injection point; total volume 2–4 ml per session.
Perivascular technique: Inject 0.05–0.1 ml into the dermis at 1 cm intervals. Start with 3–4 injections of 0.05 ml at the first session; increase to approximately 10 injections of 0.05–0.1 ml in subsequent sessions if well tolerated.
Local compression of the treated vessel is recommended after injection to improve healing. The treated vessel will initially appear red, then turn blue, and gradually fade beginning around three weeks post-treatment.
Reticular and Small Varicose Veins
Aethoxysklerol 10 mg/ml
Reticular veins (liquid): Intravascular injection of 0.1–0.5 ml per puncture site.
Small varicose veins (liquid): Intravascular injection of 0.1–1.0 ml per puncture site.
Foam preparation: Suitable for treating branches of the great saphenous vein. The vein segment is punctured distally, and the foam volume is determined by what is necessary for adequate interaction with the endothelium. The total foam volume per injection should not exceed 6 ml.
Medium and Large Varicose Veins
Aethoxysklerol 30 mg/ml
Liquid: Each varix is injected with 0.2–2 ml. Multiple varicose veins may be treated at the same session. At the first treatment, only two varices should be injected with a maximum of 1 ml each to assess individual response.
Foam (using EasyFoam Kit): Ratio 1 + 4.6 (1.6 ml Aethoxysklerol mixed with 7.4 ml air). Recommended foam volume per session: 2–8 ml; maximum 10 ml regardless of patient weight or concentration. For the great saphenous vein, up to 6 ml foam per puncture; for the small saphenous vein, up to 4 ml foam per puncture. Foam sclerotherapy of non-visible veins should be performed under ultrasound guidance (preferably duplex). Puncture should not be made closer than 8–10 cm to the saphenofemoral junction.
After foam injection, the leg should be kept elevated for 5 minutes, and the patient should remain still. Valsalva maneuver or muscular activity should be avoided. If ultrasound reveals foam accumulation in the deep venous system, the patient should perform ankle dorsiflexion to activate the calf muscle pump.
Hemorrhoids
Aethoxysklerol 30 mg/ml
Monotherapy: Initially 0.5 ml per grade I or II hemorrhoid. In subsequent sessions: 0.5–1 ml for grade I hemorrhoids, 0.5–1.5 ml for grade II hemorrhoids. Maximum total dose per session: 2.5 ml.
Combination with band ligation: 0.3 ml per ligated hemorrhoid, injected proximally to the ligature, submucosally at the base of the hemorrhoid. Maximum total dose as above.
The injection is placed submucosally immediately above the hemorrhoid’s origin. Symptoms (bleeding, prolapse) typically resolve within one week, and proctoscopy should confirm hemorrhoid regression.
Gastroduodenal Lesions
Aethoxysklerol 10 mg/ml
Endoscopic injections of 0.5–2 ml in each quadrant around the bleeding vessel, non-bleeding vessel, oozing source, or clot. The injection should be placed near the bleeding source to cause mucosal swelling that compresses the vessel. Intravascular injections must be avoided due to the risk of tissue necrosis. Maximum local dose per treatment (24 hours): 15 ml. Maximum daily dose: 4 mg/kg body weight.
Esophageal Varices
Aethoxysklerol 10 mg/ml
Two or more paravariceal injections of 0.5–1 ml each, followed if necessary by 3–5 ml intravariceal per varix. Alternatively, 3–5 ml intravariceal per varix only (using an outer tube). Maximum daily dose: 4 mg/kg body weight. At least 6 days should elapse between repeated treatments. A treatment series should continue until varices are covered by fibrotic tissue or obliterated, requiring typically a minimum of 3 sessions.
For all indications involving vein sclerotherapy (telangiectasias and varicose veins), the daily dose must not exceed 2 mg/kg body weight. For foam preparations, the maximum volume is 10 ml of foam per session regardless of the Aethoxysklerol concentration or the patient’s weight. For gastroduodenal and esophageal variceal treatment, the maximum daily dose is 4 mg/kg body weight.
Overdose
Cases of heart failure have been reported following overdosage of Aethoxysklerol, and aspiration pneumonia has been reported after esophageal sclerotherapy. Overdose may also lead to excessive tissue necrosis at or near the injection site. Since Aethoxysklerol is always administered by a healthcare professional, overdose is unlikely but requires immediate medical management if it occurs. There is no specific antidote; treatment is supportive and symptomatic.
What Are the Side Effects of Aethoxysklerol?
Side effects of Aethoxysklerol depend on the indication for which it is being used, the technique employed (liquid versus foam), and the concentration and volume administered. Most side effects are localized to the treatment area and resolve without specific intervention. However, some rare but serious systemic reactions can occur, and it is important to be aware of warning signs that require immediate medical attention.
Swelling of the face, tongue, or throat; difficulty swallowing; hives combined with breathing difficulties (signs of anaphylaxis). Sudden severe leg swelling (possible deep vein thrombosis). Chest pain and/or difficulty breathing (possible pulmonary embolism or cardiac event). Sudden disturbance of consciousness, speech, or balance (possible stroke). These are rare but serious emergencies.
Side Effects for Spider Veins and Varicose Veins
Common
May affect up to 1 in 10 people
- Bruising (ecchymosis) at or near the injection site
- Neovascularization (formation of new small blood vessels)
- Skin pigmentation (darkening) along the treated vessel
- Temporary pain at the injection site
- Localized thrombus (small blood clot) at the injection site
Uncommon
May affect up to 1 in 100 people
- Inflammation of veins near the treated vessel (phlebitis), sometimes with accompanying thrombus (thrombophlebitis)
- Skin reactions: hives, blisters, allergic dermatitis, redness, itching, eczema, or swelling
- Skin necrosis (tissue damage), skin induration, or nerve damage with reduced sensation at the injection site
Rare
May affect up to 1 in 1,000 people
- Leg pain
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Very Rare
May affect up to 1 in 10,000 people
- Anaphylactic reaction, anaphylactic shock, or angioedema
- Pulmonary embolism
- Stroke (cerebrovascular event)
- Asthma, generalized urticaria, headache, migraine
- Confusion, loss of consciousness, dizziness
- Palpitations, syncope (fainting), shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort, transient visual disturbance, taste disturbance
- Nausea, fever, flushing, fatigue, malaise, blood pressure changes
- Paresthesia (tingling/numbness) and increased hair growth in the treated area
Not Known
Frequency cannot be estimated from available data
- Precursor symptoms of myocardial infarction (chest pain)
Side Effects for Hemorrhoid Treatment
Common
May affect up to 1 in 10 people
- Pressure or pain at the injection site
Uncommon
May affect up to 1 in 100 people
- Minor bleeding near the treated hemorrhoid
- Minor tissue necrosis at the treatment site
Side Effects for Gastroduodenal Bleeding
Uncommon
May affect up to 1 in 100 people
- Enlargement of an existing gastric ulcer
Not Known
Frequency cannot be estimated from available data
- Tissue necrosis (abdominal pain as a warning sign)
Side Effects for Esophageal Variceal Treatment
Common
May affect up to 1 in 10 people
- Pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs)
- Ulceration at the treatment site
- Esophageal stricture (narrowing)
- Fever
Uncommon
May affect up to 1 in 100 people
- Post-sclerotherapy bleeding
- Variceal rebleeding
- Esophageal wall perforation
- Tissue necrosis (chest-to-abdominal pain as a warning sign)
Not Known
Frequency cannot be estimated from available data
- Heart failure following overdose
- Aspiration pneumonia (pneumonia from inhaling foreign material)
If you experience any side effects, whether listed here or not, please report them to your healthcare provider. Reporting adverse reactions contributes to ongoing monitoring of medication safety. In the European Union, adverse reactions can be reported through national pharmacovigilance systems; in the United States, reports can be submitted to the FDA MedWatch program.
How Should Aethoxysklerol Be Stored?
Aethoxysklerol does not require any special storage conditions. It should be stored at room temperature and protected from extreme heat or cold. The ampoules should be kept in their original packaging until use to protect them from light and physical damage.
As with all medications, Aethoxysklerol must be kept out of the sight and reach of children. The expiry date printed on the ampoule and the outer carton refers to the last day of the stated month. Do not use the medication after this date.
Aethoxysklerol ampoules are intended for single use only. Each ampoule should be opened immediately before use and any remaining solution discarded after the procedure. Partially used ampoules must not be stored for later use, as the sterility of the solution cannot be guaranteed once the ampoule has been opened.
Unused or expired medication should not be disposed of via household waste or wastewater. Return it to a pharmacy or follow local regulations for the safe disposal of pharmaceutical products. These measures help protect the environment.
What Does Aethoxysklerol Contain?
Aethoxysklerol is a clear, colorless to slightly yellowish solution supplied in glass ampoules. The active ingredient, lauromacrogol 400, is a non-ionic surfactant with a polyethylene glycol ether structure. It is the component responsible for both the sclerosing action and the local anesthetic effect of the medication.
| Concentration | Active Ingredient per ml | Pack Size |
|---|---|---|
| 5 mg/ml | 5 mg lauromacrogol 400 | 5 × 2 ml glass ampoules |
| 10 mg/ml | 10 mg lauromacrogol 400 | 5 × 2 ml glass ampoules |
| 30 mg/ml | 30 mg lauromacrogol 400 | 5 × 2 ml glass ampoules |
Inactive ingredients (excipients): Ethanol 96%, potassium dihydrogen phosphate (buffer), disodium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate (buffer), and water for injections. The phosphate buffer system maintains the solution at an appropriate pH for injection. The small amount of ethanol serves as a co-solvent and helps maintain the stability of the formulation.
Marketing Authorization Holder and Manufacturer: Chemische Fabrik Kreussler & Co. GmbH, Rheingaustrasse 87–93, D-65203 Wiesbaden, Germany. Aethoxysklerol has been in clinical use since the 1960s and has accumulated extensive real-world safety and efficacy data over more than six decades of clinical practice worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aethoxysklerol
Liquid sclerotherapy involves injecting Aethoxysklerol solution directly into the blood vessel in its original liquid form. This is the standard approach for spider veins and small varicose veins. Foam sclerotherapy involves mixing the liquid Aethoxysklerol with air to create a microfoam before injection, typically in a 1:4.6 ratio using a specialized kit. Foam displaces blood from the vein more effectively, increasing the contact area between the sclerosant and the vessel wall. This makes foam particularly advantageous for larger varicose veins, as it can treat longer vein segments with less drug. Foam is also visible on ultrasound, enabling precise placement and real-time monitoring during the procedure.
The number of sessions depends on the type and extent of the condition being treated. For spider veins, most patients require 2–5 sessions spaced several weeks apart. For varicose veins, 1–3 sessions may be sufficient for smaller veins, while larger or more extensive varicose veins may require additional sessions. For hemorrhoids, 1–3 sessions are typical. For esophageal varices, a minimum of 3 treatment sessions is generally needed, spaced at least 6 days apart, continuing until the varices are obliterated. Your doctor will assess your response at each follow-up and determine if further treatment is needed.
One of the advantages of Aethoxysklerol over some other sclerosing agents is its built-in local anesthetic effect. Lauromacrogol 400 blocks sodium channels in nerve fibers, providing temporary pain relief at the injection site. Most patients describe the sensation as a mild sting or burning during injection that quickly subsides. For spider vein treatment, very fine needles are used, further minimizing discomfort. Some patients may experience a mild aching sensation in the treated area for a few hours after the procedure. Overall, sclerotherapy with Aethoxysklerol is well tolerated and does not typically require additional local anesthesia.
After sclerotherapy for varicose veins, your doctor will likely recommend wearing compression stockings for a specified period (usually 1–3 weeks). You should walk and stay active, as movement promotes proper blood flow in the legs. Avoid prolonged standing or sitting, hot baths, saunas, and intense sun exposure on the treated areas for the first few weeks. Avoid strenuous exercise for the first few days. After foam sclerotherapy, your leg may be kept elevated for 5 minutes immediately following injection. At follow-up appointments, your doctor will assess healing and may remove any small thrombi that have formed, which helps reduce pain and prevent skin pigmentation.
Once a vein has been successfully sclerosed (closed and absorbed), it does not reopen. However, new varicose veins or spider veins can develop over time, particularly if the underlying risk factors (genetic predisposition, prolonged standing, obesity, hormonal changes) persist. Studies show that long-term recurrence rates after sclerotherapy are comparable to surgical treatment. Regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, wearing compression stockings when standing for long periods, and elevating the legs can all help reduce the risk of developing new varicose veins.
Yes. Aethoxysklerol is a brand name for a pharmaceutical preparation containing the active ingredient lauromacrogol 400, which is also widely known by the international non-proprietary name (INN) polidocanol. The terms lauromacrogol 400 and polidocanol refer to the same chemical substance. Aethoxysklerol has been the original and most well-known brand name since the product was first introduced by Kreussler in the 1960s, and it remains the reference product for polidocanol sclerotherapy worldwide.
References
- European Medicines Agency (EMA). Aethoxysklerol Summary of Product Characteristics. Last updated 2025.
- Rabe E, Breu FX, Cavezzi A, et al. European Guidelines for Sclerotherapy in Chronic Venous Disorders. Phlebology. 2022;37(9):607–648. doi:10.1177/02683555221120592
- Breu FX, Guggenbichler S, Wollmann JC. European Consensus Meeting on Foam Sclerotherapy, April 2003, Tegernsee, Germany. Dermatologic Surgery. 2004;30(5):709–717.
- International Union of Phlebology (UIP). Updated Consensus Document on Sclerotherapy of Varicose Veins. Phlebology. 2024;39(1):3–60.
- Jia X, Mowatt G, Burr JM, et al. Systematic review of foam sclerotherapy for varicose veins. British Journal of Surgery. 2007;94(8):925–936.
- Guex JJ, Allaert FA, Gillet JL, Chleir F. Immediate and midterm complications of sclerotherapy: report of a prospective multicenter registry of 12,173 sclerotherapy sessions. Dermatologic Surgery. 2005;31(2):123–128.
- Wollmann JC. The history of sclerosing foams. Dermatologic Surgery. 2004;30(5):694–703.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Varicose veins: diagnosis and management. Clinical guideline [CG168]. Updated 2023.
- World Health Organization (WHO). Model List of Essential Medicines – 23rd List. Geneva: WHO; 2023.
- De Ávila Oliveira R, Morais-Besteiro J, et al. Polidocanol foam versus liquid for treatment of saphenous vein reflux: A meta-analysis. Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders. 2023;11(2):345–354.
Editorial Team
Medical Content
Written by iMedic Medical Editorial Team – specialists in vascular medicine, phlebology, and clinical pharmacology
Medical Review
Reviewed by iMedic Medical Review Board – independent panel of vascular surgeons and clinical pharmacologists
Evidence Framework
GRADE evidence framework – Level 1A evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials
Guidelines
Content aligned with EMA SmPC, ESVS Guidelines, UIP Consensus, and NICE Guidelines for vascular treatment
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