Products
Polidocanol is commercially available in a variety of topical medications, including skin care products, creams, lotions, gels, and sprays. Parenterally, it is also used for local sclerotherapy of veins; see Polidocanol for Vein Sclerotherapy.
Structure and properties
The European Pharmacopoeia defines polidocanol as a mixture of ethers of various macrogols with fatty alcohols, mainly lauryl alcohol (C12H26O). It is either a colorless, water-insoluble liquid or a white, waxy mass that is soluble or dispersible in water.
Effects
Polidocanol (ATC C05BB02) has antipruritic, analgesic, local anesthetic, and vein sclerosing properties.
Indications
- For external treatment of skin diseases, especially with itching.
- For sclerotherapy of veins, see under polidocanol for sclerotherapy of veins.
