International reference: 2 US FDA recalls for this ingredient
Lack of Assurance of Sterility: Quality system deficiencies identified during a routine U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspection at the contract manufacturer. (octreotide)
Cross Contamination with Other Products: trace amounts of octreotide found during testing (octreotide)
US-market enforcement records (OpenFDA), shown for reference - not specific to this product in Kenya.
What it does
Octreotide is a medication used to treat certain hormone-related conditions by mimicking a natural hormone in the body.
Commonly used for: acromegaly, carcinoid syndrome, VIPoma
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 21:09:05 · updated 2026-07-26 13:51:36
Drug Interactions
2Unknown (2)
Oralciclosporin - decreases absorption
Octreotide decreases the absorption of oral ciclosporin. Adjust ciclosporin dose, p. 917.
Telotristat Ethyl - decreases exposure
Octreotide (short-acting) decreases the exposure to telotristat ethyl. Telotristat ethyl should be taken at least 30 minutes before octreotide. Ofatumumab → see monoclonal antibodies. Ofloxacin → see
Data from BNF 85 (British National Formulary). This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Matched via: exact
About this medicine
Octreotide is a medication used to treat certain hormone-related conditions by mimicking a natural hormone in the body.
What it treats
- acromegaly
- carcinoid syndrome
- VIPoma
How it works
It works by reducing the amount of certain hormones and substances in the body.
Who it's for
This medication is for adults with specific hormone disorders.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: Octreotide
BNF-referencedOctreotide is a synthetic analog of somatostatin, a hormone that inhibits the secretion of several other hormones and reduces gastrointestinal motility. It is primarily used in the treatment of acromegaly, carcinoid tumors, and VIPomas. By mimicking somatostatin, octreotide effectively decreases growth hormone levels and alleviates symptoms associated with hormone-secreting tumors.
Indications
- Acromegaly
- Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs)
- Carcinoid syndrome
- VIPoma
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific pediatric dosing guidelines.
Adults: Initially 50 micrograms 1–2 times a day, adjusted according to response; increased to 200 micrograms 3 times a day if necessary. Maintenance doses are variable. In carcinoid tumors, treatment should be discontinued after one week if no effect is observed.
Mechanism of action
Octreotide binds to somatostatin receptors coupled to phospholipase C through G proteins, leading to smooth muscle contraction in blood vessels. It stimulates phospholipase C, producing inositol triphosphate, which inhibits growth hormone production. Additionally, it suppresses luteinizing hormone (LH) and reduces splanchnic blood flow, inhibiting various gastrointestinal hormones that contribute to symptoms of carcinoid and VIPoma tumors.
Pharmacodynamics
Octreotide mimics somatostatin, demonstrating activity against growth hormone and glucagon, thus addressing tissue growth and insulin regulation issues in acromegaly. It also alleviates flushing and diarrhea from gastrointestinal tumors by decreasing splanchnic blood flow and inhibiting gastrointestinal hormones. However, it may reduce gallbladder contractility and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, and can lead to decreased vitamin B12 levels, necessitating monitoring.
Pharmacokinetics
Octreotide is administered via subcutaneous or intravenous injection and is absorbed adequately. It has a half-life of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours but may have prolonged effects due to receptor interactions. The drug is primarily metabolized in the liver, and its elimination is via the kidneys. Monitoring of liver function and renal parameters is advised during therapy.
Adverse effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Hypoglycaemia
- Hyperglycaemia
- Gallbladder stones
- Cholecystitis
- Bradycardia
- Alopecia
- Insomnia
- Constipation
- Myalgia
- Pruritus
- Hypotension
- Leukopenia
Interactions
- Octreotide + oral ciclosporin: Unknown (decreases absorption)
- Octreotide + telotristatethyl: Unknown (decreases exposure)
Precautions
- Monitor for signs of tumor expansion
- Caution in patients with diabetes mellitus as changes in antidiabetic requirements may occur
- Monitor blood glucose levels during treatment initiation and dose adjustments
- Monitor vitamin B12 levels due to potential deficiency
- Use with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy
Manufacturer advises use only if potential benefit outweighs risk.
Breast-feeding
Manufacturer advises avoiding use; no data available.
Storage
Store in a refrigerator (2-8°C). Protect from light.
Formulations
- Powder and solvent for solution for injection
- Solution for 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.
Molecular reference: Octreotide
PubChem CID 448601Molecular formula: C49H66N10O10S2
Mechanism of action
Octreotide binds to somatostatin receptors coupled to phospholipase C through G proteins and leads to smooth muscle contraction in the blood vessels. Downstream effects that stimulate phospholipase C, the production of 1, 4,5-inositol triphosphate, and action on the L-type calcium channels lead to the inhibition of growth hormone, treating the various growth-hormone and metabolic effects of acromegaly. Octreotide's suppression of luteinizing hormone (LH), reduction in splanchnic blood flow, and inhibition of serotonin, gastrin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, secretin, motilin, and pancreatic polypeptide provide relief for the gastrointestinal and flushing symptoms of carcinoid and/or VIPoma tumors.
Pharmacodynamics
Octreotide mimics the naturally occurring hormone known as somatostatin. Like somatostatin, it demonstrates activity against growth hormone and glucagon, treating the disordered tissue growth and insulin regulation in patients with acromegaly. In addition, octreotide relieves the flushing and diarrhea associated with gastrointestinal tumors by reducing splanchnic blood flow and various gastrointestinal hormones associated with diarrhea. Product labeling warns that octreotide may reduce gallbladder contractility, bile secretion, and the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in healthy volunteers. In addition, reports of decreased vitamin B12 in patients treated with octreotide have been made. Ensure to monitor vitamin B12 levels in patients taking octreotide.
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.