Polidocanol

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CAS registry number: 3055-99-0

EC no: 221-284-4

Structure: C₁₂H₂₅O(CH₂CH₂O)~9 H

Formula: C₃₀H₆₂O₁₀

Names: Polidocanol; (also polydocanol); Laureth 9; Macrogol lauryl ether; Lauromacrogols; (mixed macrogols); PEG-9 lauryl alcohol; POE-9 lauryl alcohol; Ethoxylated alcohols; Dodecylnonaoxyethylene glycol monoether; Dodecylpolyethyleneglycolether; Hydroxyl polyethoxy dodecane

Polidocanol is a sclerosant, an irritant injected to treat varicose veins. Polidocanol causes fibrosis inside varicose veins, occluding the lumen of the vessel, and reducing the appearance of the varicosity. It is not approved for use in the US because it is associated with risk of gas embolism and/or stroke. Current research is involved in development of Polidocanol as a topical therapy, where systemic safety might no longer be an issue. Systemic Polidocanol is sold outside the US under the brand name Aethoxysklerol.