What it does
Octreotide is a medication that helps control certain hormone-related conditions.
Commonly used for: acromegaly, carcinoid syndrome, VIPoma
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 19:23:05 · updated 2026-08-03 02:09:19
About this medicine
Octreotide is a medication that helps control certain hormone-related conditions.
What it treats
- acromegaly
- carcinoid syndrome
- VIPoma
How it works
Octreotide works by mimicking a natural hormone that reduces the production of other hormones, helping to manage symptoms.
Who it's for
This medication is for adults and children who have specific hormone-related disorders.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: octreotride
Octreotide is a synthetic analogue of somatostatin, a peptide hormone that inhibits the release of numerous other hormones and various other secretory proteins. It is primarily used in the management of acromegaly, carcinoid syndrome, and other conditions where inhibition of hormone secretion is beneficial. Its long-acting formulation allows for less frequent dosing compared to natural somatostatin.
Indications
- Acromegaly
- Carcinoid syndrome
- VIPoma (vasoactive intestinal peptide secreting tumor)
- Esophageal variceal bleeding
- Diabetic diarrhea
- Neuroendocrine tumors
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific dosing information.
Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific dosing information.
Mechanism of action
Octreotide binds to somatostatin receptors, particularly subtype 2 (SSTR2) and subtype 5 (SSTR5), leading to inhibition of growth hormone secretion from the pituitary gland, reduction of insulin and glucagon secretion from the pancreas, and decreased gastrointestinal hormone secretion. This results in decreased gastrointestinal motility and secretion of gastric acid and digestive enzymes, thus ameliorating symptoms associated with hormone-secreting tumors.
Pharmacodynamics
Octreotide exhibits dose-dependent inhibition of growth hormone, insulin, glucagon, and other hormones. Its prolonged half-life compared to native somatostatin allows for sustained pharmacologic effects, making it effective for the management of hormone-secreting tumors and related syndromes. The drug can also decrease portal pressure in patients with cirrhosis and variceal bleeding, thus providing therapeutic benefits in related conditions.
Pharmacokinetics
Octreotide is administered via subcutaneous or intravenous routes. It has a bioavailability of approximately 60% after subcutaneous injection with a peak plasma concentration occurring within 30 minutes. The drug has a half-life of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, but its effects can last much longer due to receptor binding. It is metabolized in the liver and excreted primarily in the feces, with minimal renal excretion.
Contra-indications
- Hypersensitivity to octreotide or any of its components
- Biliary system disorders such as gallbladder disease
- Severe hepatic impairment
Adverse effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Injection site reactions
- Hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia
- Cholelithiasis
- Bradycardia
Interactions
- Antidiabetic agents: may potentiate hypoglycemic effects
- Cyclosporine: reduced absorption and effectiveness of cyclosporine
- Insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents: dosage adjustment may be required
- Octreotide may inhibit the effects of some drugs that require gastrointestinal absorption
Precautions
- Monitor blood glucose levels in diabetic patients
- Caution in patients with a history of gallbladder disease
- Use with caution in patients with renal impairment
- Monitor thyroid function in patients who are on octreotide long-term
Pregnancy
Octreotide should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Limited human data are available.
Breast-feeding
It is not known whether octreotide is excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when administering to nursing women.
Storage
Store in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Protect from light. Do not freeze. Once opened, use promptly.
Formulations
- Injectable solution for subcutaneous or intramuscular administration
- Long-acting release formulation for depot injection
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.