ABSTRACT
Polidocanol is an addition polymer of lauryl alcohol and an average of 9 units of ethylene oxide. In medicine, it is used as a sclerosing agent to treat uncomplicated spider veins (varicose veins 51 mm in diameter) and reticular veins (varicose veins 1 to 3 mm in diameter) of the legs, as a topical anaesthetic and antipruritic. This chapter provides monographs of polidocanol which have caused contact allergy/allergic contact dermatitis. The monographs present: identification section; contact allergy (general population, patients with dermatitis, case reports and case series); cross-reactions; patch test sensitization; photocontact allergy; and immediate contact reactions (contact urticaria). The identification section presents IUPAC names, synonyms, CAS and EC numbers, structural and chemical formulas, Merck Index monographs, and advises on patch testing. The chapter also covers an extensive amount of information to benefit dermatologists, allergists, and all others interested in drug allergy.
