Look Up > Drugs > Morrhuate Sodium
Morrhuate Sodium
Pronunciation
U.S. Brand Names
Generic Available
Pharmacological Index
Use
Pregnancy Risk Factor
Contraindications
Warnings/Precautions
Adverse Reactions
Drug Interactions
Stability
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics
Usual Dosage
Administration
Dental Health: Local Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor Precautions
Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment
Nursing Implications
Dosage Forms

Pronunciation
(MOR yoo ate SOW dee um)

U.S. Brand Names
Scleromate™

Generic Available

No


Pharmacological Index

Sclerosing Agent


Use

Treatment of small, uncomplicated varicose veins of the lower extremities


Pregnancy Risk Factor

C


Contraindications

Arterial disease, thrombophlebitis, hypersensitivity to morrhuate sodium or any component


Warnings/Precautions

Sloughing and necrosis of tissue may occur following extravasation; anaphylactoid and allergic reactions have occurred; this drug should only be administered by a physician familiar with proper injection techniques; a test dose of 0.25-5 mL of a 5% injection should be given 24 hours before full-dose treatment


Adverse Reactions

>10%:

Cardiovascular: Thrombosis, valvular incompetency

Dermatologic: Urticaria

Local: Burning at the site of injection, severe extravasation effects

<1%: Vascular collapse, drowsiness, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weakness, asthma, anaphylaxis


Drug Interactions

No data reported


Stability

Refrigerate


Mechanism of Action

Both varicose veins and esophageal varices are treated by the thrombotic action of morrhuate sodium. By causing inflammation of the vein's intima, a thrombus is formed. Occlusion secondary to the fibrous tissue and the thrombus results in the obliteration of the vein.


Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics

Onset of action: ~5 minutes

Absorption: Most of the dose stays at the site of injection

Distribution: After treatment of esophageal varices, ~20% of dose distributes to the lungs


Usual Dosage

Adults: I.V.: 50-250 mg, repeated at 5- to 7-day intervals (50-100 mg for small veins, 150-250 mg for large veins)


Administration

For I.V. use only


Dental Health: Local Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor Precautions

No information available to require special precautions


Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

No effects or complications reported


Nursing Implications

Avoid extravasation; use only clear solutions, solution should become clear when warmed


Dosage Forms

Injection: 50 mg/mL (30 mL)


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