Brand Names: Ethamolin

Generic Name: ethanolamine oleate (Pronunciation: ETH a NOLE a meen)

• What is ethanolamine oleate (Ethamolin)?
• What are the possible side effects of ethanolamine oleate (Ethamolin)?
• What is the most important information I should know about ethanolamine oleate (Ethamolin)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving ethanolamine oleate (Ethamolin)?
• How is ethanolamine oleate given (Ethamolin)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Ethamolin)?
• What happens if I overdose (Ethamolin)?
• What should I avoid while receiving ethanolamine oleate (Ethamolin)?
• What other drugs will affect ethanolamine oleate (Ethamolin)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is ethanolamine oleate (Ethamolin)?

Ethanolamine oleate is a sclerosing (skler-OS-ing) agent. It works by creating scar tissue inside a swollen or dilated (wider than normal) vein to prevent bleeding.

Ethanolamine oleate is used to treat esophageal varices. This is a life-threatening condition that causes dilated blood vessels inside the tissues lining the esophagus or upper part of the stomach. The result is severe bleeding from the esophagus into the throat or intestines. Esophageal varices is caused by liver disease.

Ethanolamine oleate is only for treating esophageal varices that have recently bled.

Ethanolamine oleate may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of ethanolamine oleate (Ethamolin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• cough or hiccups (may be a sign of fluid buildup around the lungs);
• fever, chills, cough with yellow or green mucus;
• stabbing chest pain, feeling short of breath; or
• severe pain or burning in your upper stomach.

Less serious side effects may include:

• low fever; or
• trouble swallowing.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Ethamolin (ethanolamine oleate) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about ethanolamine oleate (Ethamolin)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to ethanolamine oleate or oleic acid (oleo).

Ethanolamine oleate will not treat any underlying liver disease.

Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, or heart disease, or lung disease. If you have any of these conditions, you may need dose adjustments or special tests during treatment.

In an emergency situation, it may not be possible before you are treated with ethanolamine oleate to tell your caregivers about any health conditions you have or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. However, make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows that you have received this medication.

Serious side effects of ethanolamine oleate include severe pain or burning in your upper stomach, stabbing chest pain, feeling short of breath, fever, chills, cough with yellow or green mucus, or cough or hiccups (may be a sign of fluid buildup around the lungs).