Morrhuate Sodium

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 18, 2024.

Pronunciation

(MOR yoo ate SOW dee um)

Pharmacologic Category

• Sclerosing Agent

Pharmacology

Morrhuate sodium causes inflammation of the vein's intima resulting in the formation of a thrombus. Occlusion secondary to the fibrous tissue and the thrombus results in the obliteration of the vein.

Use: Labeled Indications

Treatment of small, uncomplicated varicose veins of the lower extremities

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to morrhuate sodium or any component of the formulation; arterial disease; acute thrombophlebitis; valvular or deep vein incompetence; bedridden patients; varicosities caused by abdominal or pelvic tumors; patients with systemic diseases (eg, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, thyrotoxicosis, tuberculosis, neoplasms, asthma, sepsis, blood dyscrasias, and acute respiratory or skin diseases); continued administration following a systemic reaction or an unusual local reaction at the injection site; extensive therapy in severely debilitated or senile patients

Dosing: Adult

Varicose veins: IV:

Note: A test dose of 0.25-1 mL of a 5% injection may be given (into a varicosity) 24 hours before full-dose treatment.

Full-dose treatment: 50-250 mg, depending on the size and degree of varicosity (50-100 mg for small or medium veins, 150-250 mg for large veins); may be given as multiple injections at one time or in single doses.

Related/similar drugs

Asclera, Varithena, polidocanol, sodium tetradecyl sulfate

Dosing: Geriatric

Refer to adult dosing.

Administration

For IV injection into varicose vein only; avoid extravasation. Use only clear solutions; solution should become clear when warmed. Solution froths easily; use a large bore needle to fill syringe and a small bore needle for injection. Warm solutions with hot water prior to injection into small vein, if solution is cold, or if the solid matter has separated in the solution.

Storage

Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F).

Drug Interactions

There are no known significant interactions.

Adverse Reactions

The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.

Frequency not defined.

Cardiovascular: Circulatory shock, pulmonary embolism, thrombosis

Central nervous system: Dizziness, drowsiness, headache

Dermatologic: Urticaria

Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting

Hypersensitivity: Anaphylaxis, hypersensitivity reaction

Local: Burning sensation at injection site, extravasation (severe)

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Muscle cramps (at injection site), weakness

Respiratory: Asthma, respiratory depression

Warnings/Precautions

Concerns related to adverse effects:

• Anaphylactic/hypersensitivity reactions: Anaphylactic and hypersensitivity reactions (eg, asthma, nausea, vomiting, respiratory depression, urticaria, vascular collapse) have occurred. Immediate treatment (including epinephrine, antihistamines, corticosteroids) should be available.

• Extravasation: Sloughing and necrosis of tissue may occur following extravasation.

• Infections: Delay therapy in patients with acute local or systemic infections (eg, infected ulcers).

• Local reactions: Burning or cramping sensations may occur following administration.

Other warnings/precautions:

• Appropriate use: Valvular and venous competency should be evaluated prior to use.

• Experienced physician: This drug should only be administered by a physician familiar with proper injection techniques.

• Test dose: A test dose of 0.25-1 mL of a 5% injection may be given 24 hours before full-dose treatment.

Monitoring Parameters

Prior to use, evaluate valvular competency and deep vein patency/competency by angiography and/or by clinical tests (eg, Trendelenburg or Perthes).

Pregnancy Risk Factor C Pregnancy Considerations

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted.

Patient Education

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to treat varicose veins.

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Short-term pain

• Injection site skin discoloration or stiffness

• Headache

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Chest pain

• Coughing up blood

• Shortness of breath

• Severe injection site pain, redness, burning, swelling, or irritation

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Talk to your doctor if you have questions.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer: This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a limited summary of general information about the medicine’s uses from the patient education leaflet and is not intended to be comprehensive. This limited summary does NOT include all information available about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. For a more detailed summary of information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine, please speak with your healthcare provider and review the entire patient education leaflet.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer