Octreotide Pharmacology

Octreotide

About Octreotide

Analogue of somatostatin, a cyclic octapeptide, Hormonal agent, Acromegaly.

Mechanism of Action of Octreotide

Octreotide is a potent synthetic octapeptide analogue of Somatostatin. The drug exerts it`s action by inhibiting the secretion of Growth hormone (GH), Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), Prolactin in pituitary; Insulin and glucagons in pancreas, and all gastrointestinal secretions including gastrin and HCl. It constricts splanchnic, hepatic, and renal blood vessels. It decreases blood flow to gastrointestinal mucosa and also has antisecretory actions on the gut. It controls diarrhea due to suppression of hormones which enhance intestinal mucosal secretion.

Pharmacokinets of Octreotide

Absorption: Administered parenterally, completely absorbed after injection, Distribution: Distributed in a plasma protein bound form, Metabolism: Slowly metabolized in the liver, Excretion: About 35% excreted unchanged in urine.

Onset of Action for Octreotide

N/A

Duration of Action for Octreotide

12 hours.

Half Life of Octreotide

90 minutes

Side Effects of Octreotide

1. Nausea
2. Abdominal pain
3. Dirrhoea
4. Steatorrhoea
5. Acute pancreatitis.
6. Flushing
7. Gall stones
8. Pin and irritation at injection site
9. Altered glucose tolerance
10. Hepatic dysfunction

Contra-indications of Octreotide

1. Hypersensitivity to the drug or it`s components.

Special Precautions while taking Octreotide

1.Diabetes mellitus
2. Monitor thyroid function on prolonged therapy
3. Perform ultrasonic examination of gall bladder before and periodically during the therapy
4. Renal impairment
5. The drug should be gradually withdrawn.

Pregnancy Related Information

Contraindicated

Old Age Related Information

Use with caution

Breast Feeding Related Information

Contraindicated

Children Related Information

Use with caution

Indications for Octreotide

1.Carcinoid tumors
2.Vasoactive intestinal peptide secreting tumors (VIPomas)
3. Acromegaly
4.Severe acute bleeding from intestinal varices, Gastric or duodenal ulcers, or haemorrhagic gastritis.

Interactions for Octreotide

May alter the absorption of dietary fats. Depressed Vitamin B12 levels and abnormal Schilling`s test have been observed.
Cyclosporin : May reduce the efficacy of cyclosporins.

Typical Dosage for Octreotide

S.C.: Starts with 50 to 100mcg once or twice daily. Gradually increased to 200 to 500mcg three times daily depending up on the patient`s response.
Acromegaly, short term treatment prior to pituitary surgery: 100 to 200mcg thrice daily
I.V.:
Carcinoid crisis: 50mcg diluted with saline and given as bolus.

Schedule of Octreotide

Storage Requirements for Octreotide

Store at a temperature range of 2 to 8 degree C and protect from light. Keep out of reach of children.

Effects of Missed Dosage of Octreotide

Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Effects of Overdose of Octreotide

Provide symptomatic treatment and supportive measures.

Home Delivery for Octreotide in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including octreotide.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for octreotide and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for octreotide may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take octreotide only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for octreotide before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for octreotide with the pharmacy.

Octreotide is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for octreotide might be better known than octreotide itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have octreotide in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for octreotide.