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Octreotide
📖 About
Always check the BNF link here for the latest prescribing guidance. Octreotide is a synthetic analogue of somatostatin, used in the management of variceal bleeding 🩸, acromegaly 🧠, and neuroendocrine tumours 🎯.
⚙️ Mode of Action
- 🔄 Mimics endogenous somatostatin but with a longer half-life.
- 🩸 Reduces splanchnic blood flow → useful in variceal haemorrhage.
- 🧪 Inhibits secretion of several hormones (GH, insulin, glucagon, vasoactive peptides).
- 🍽️ Suppresses GI motility and pancreatic secretions.
💊 Indications / Dose
- Variceal Upper GI Bleed 🩸: 100 mcg IV bolus stat, then infusion 25–50 mcg/hour for 3–5 days.
- Acromegaly 🧠: SC injections 50–100 mcg TDS (titrated as needed).
- Neuroendocrine tumours 🎯 (e.g. carcinoid syndrome): Symptom control (flushing, diarrhoea).
- VIPoma/Glucagonoma 🔬: Reduce diarrhoea & electrolyte disturbances.
🔗 Interactions
- 📖 See BNF for full details.
- 💊 Can affect absorption of oral medicines (slowed GI motility).
- ⚖️ Alters glucose control → monitor if on antidiabetic drugs.
⚠️ Cautions
- 🪨 Risk of gallstones with long-term use.
- 🍭 Diabetes: risk of hypo- or hyperglycaemia.
- 🧾 Monitor in renal/hepatic impairment.
⛔ Contraindications
- 🚫 Hypersensitivity to octreotide or excipients.
- 📖 See BNF for full list.
😬 Side Effects
- 🤢 GI: Nausea, vomiting, cramps, diarrhoea/constipation.
- 🍭 Metabolic: Hyper/hypoglycaemia.
- ❤️ Cardiac: Bradycardia, altered heart rate.
- 🌸 Skin: Rash, pruritus, injection site pain.
- 🤕 Neurological: Headache, dizziness.
- 🪨 Long-term: Gallstones (cholelithiasis).
📚 References
- British National Formulary (BNF): Octreotide
- EASL Guidelines – Variceal Bleeding.
📝 Revisions
- Updated September 2025.
| The content on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only to support exam preparation (e.g., MLA, MRCP, USMLE) and learning. This is NOT medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional guidance. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional, official guidelines (e.g., NICE, GMC, BNF), or supervised clinical practice. Always verify information with current, authoritative sources. Makindo and its contributors accept no liability for any reliance on this content, including errors, omissions, or any resulting harm, loss, or consequences. By using this site, you agree to these terms. |
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