Octreotide
Also known as Sandostatin
Octreotide is a short-acting synthetic somatostatin analog approved for acromegaly, carcinoid syndrome, and VIPomas, and it is also used as an adjunct in acute variceal hemorrhage. It is available as an immediate-release subcutaneous injection for initial titration and as a long-acting intramuscular depot for chronic maintenance. As one of the earliest and most established somatostatin analogs, it has an extensive clinical track record across multiple indications.
Reported benefits
- Controls growth hormone excess in acromegaly
- Reduces flushing and diarrhea in carcinoid syndrome
- Manages secretory diarrhea from VIPomas
- Used acutely to help control variceal hemorrhage
How it works
Octreotide binds somatostatin receptors, predominantly SSTR2, inhibiting secretion of growth hormone, glucagon, insulin, and various gastrointestinal and pancreatic hormones. It also reduces splanchnic blood flow, which underlies its use in acute variceal bleeding.
Dosing ranges
| Tier | Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 50 mcg | two to three times daily, subcutaneous |
| Moderate | 100 mcg | two to three times daily |
| High | 500 mcg | two to three times daily, upper labeled range |
Estimate your dose
Dose estimator
Educational estimate for Octreotide, scaled to body size. Not medical advice.
Read before using
This tool produces a rough, educational estimate by scaling commonly-published research ranges to lean body mass. It is not a prescription, medical advice, or a substitute for a licensed clinician. Most peptides use fixed dosing, not weight-based dosing. Individual needs vary. You are solely responsible for how you use this information.
Mixing & syringe units
Target dose follows the estimate above. Change it there, or edit it directly below.
Reconstitution calculator
How much water to add and how many insulin-syringe units to draw for Octreotide. Educational only.
Draw to this mark
2units
= 0.02 mL for a 100 mcg dose
Concentration
5,000 mcg/mL
Doses per vial
100
A U-100 syringe reads 100 units per mL. This is a reconstitution math helper only, not a prescription or dosing advice. Verify every calculation and consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Possible side effects
Common protocols
Common questions
What is Octreotide used for?
Octreotide is a short-acting synthetic somatostatin analog approved for acromegaly, carcinoid syndrome, and VIPomas, and it is also used as an adjunct in acute variceal hemorrhage. It is available as an immediate-release subcutaneous injection for initial titration and as a long-acting intramuscular depot for chronic maintenance. As one of the earliest and most established somatostatin analogs, it has an extensive clinical track record across multiple indications. Reported benefits include controls growth hormone excess in acromegaly, reduces flushing and diarrhea in carcinoid syndrome, manages secretory diarrhea from vipomas.
What is a typical Octreotide dose?
Reported ranges run 50-500 mcg. A low protocol is 50 mcg two to three times daily, subcutaneous, and a high protocol is 500 mcg two to three times daily, upper labeled range. This is reference information, not a dosing recommendation.
What is the half life of Octreotide?
Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours for the immediate-release subcutaneous formulation. That is what sets the dosing frequency, and it is why the timing guidance is as directed by your clinician.
How is Octreotide administered?
Subcutaneous: into fat, under the skin. Immediate-release octreotide is subcutaneous; a long-acting intramuscular depot (Sandostatin LAR) exists for maintenance therapy.
How long is a Octreotide cycle?
Continuous multiple-daily dosing, often transitioned to a monthly long-acting depot on, followed by Discontinued per prescriber decision off. Immediate-release dosing is frequently used short-term to confirm tolerability before switching to the long-acting depot.
What are the side effects of Octreotide?
Reported side effects include gastrointestinal upset, gallstones with long-term use, injection site pain, hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, bradycardia and cardiac conduction changes. Evidence level for this compound is well studied.
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Educational use only, not medical advice. This profile is provided for research and educational purposes. Octreotide may be a research compound or a prescription medication; nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Dosing figures reflect commonly-published research ranges, not a prescription. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any health decision. Read the full disclaimer →