Generic
Somatostatin
1 brands available in the market
At a glance
Somatostatin is a polypeptide hormone used for the treatment of acromegaly, carcinoid tumors, and bleeding esophageal varices. It inhibits growth hormone, thyrotrophin, and glucagon secretion and reduces bleeding by constricting blood vessels.
Description
Somatostatin is a polypeptide obtained synthetically or from the hypothalamus. It inhibits the release of growth hormone, thyrotrophin, and corticotropin from the anterior pituitary, glucagon and insulin from the pancreas, and regulates duodenal and gastric secretions. In esophageal varices, it reduces bleeding by constricting blood vessels.
Indications
- Acromegaly
- Carcinoid tumors
- Bleeding esophageal varices
Therapeutic class
Hormonal Preparations
Pharmacological class
Growth Hormone Inhibitor
Pharmacology
Somatostatin inhibits the release of growth hormone (GH), thyrotrophin (TSH), and corticotropin (ACTH) from the anterior pituitary. It also inhibits glucagon and insulin secretion from the pancreas and regulates duodenal and gastric secretions. In esophageal varices, it reduces bleeding by constricting blood vessels.
Mechanism of action
Inhibits growth hormone and other hormone secretion, and constricts blood vessels.
Dosage
Adult Dose (IV):
- GI hemorrhage: Initially 250 mcg bolus injection (over 3-5 min), then continuous infusion of 3.5 mcg/kg/hr until bleeding stops; may continue for 48-72 hours to prevent recurrence
Administration
- Administered intravenously by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting
- Do not self-administer
- Injection site pain may occur (gentle massage may help)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, consult your doctor.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation, flatulence
- Headache
- Increased blood glucose levels
- Injection site reaction
- Gallstones (with long-term use)
Precautions & warnings
- Inform doctor if you have liver problems
- Monitor blood glucose regularly
- Long-term use: Monitor thyroid, gallbladder, liver function, and vitamin B12
- Caution in pregnancy and lactation
Contraindications
No known contraindications
Drug interactions
- Hexobarbital-induced sleep prolonged
- Potentiates the action of pentetrazol
Food interactions
It is not known whether alcohol is safe with Somatostatin; consult your doctor.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: May be unsafe; animal studies show harmful effects; use only if clearly needed; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Probably safe; limited data suggests no significant risk; consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Safety and efficacy not established in children
Geriatric use
Caution required in elderly patients
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Limited information; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Limited information; consult your doctor.
Overdose effects
No overdose information available; excessive doses may increase side effects; consult your doctor.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Somatostatin