# Octreotide

> 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.

- URL: https://www.lifeconverted.com/peptides/octreotide
- Also known as: Sandostatin
- Primary category: Other & Clinical
- Effectiveness rank: #10 in Other & Clinical
- Evidence level: Well studied
- Route: Subcutaneous (Immediate-release octreotide is subcutaneous; a long-acting intramuscular depot (Sandostatin LAR) exists for maintenance therapy.)
- Dose range: 50-500 mcg
- Dose tiers: low 50 mcg; moderate 100 mcg; high 500 mcg
- Half-life: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours for the immediate-release subcutaneous formulation
- Timing: As directed by your clinician
- Cycle: Continuous multiple-daily dosing, often transitioned to a monthly long-acting depot on, Discontinued per prescriber decision off (Immediate-release dosing is frequently used short-term to confirm tolerability before switching to the long-acting depot.)
- Storage: Refrigerate ampoules at 2-8°C; may be kept at room temperature for a limited time per the label. Protect from light.

## Mechanism of action

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.

## 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

## Reported side effects

- Gastrointestinal upset
- Gallstones with long-term use
- Injection site pain
- Hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia
- Bradycardia and cardiac conduction changes

## Common protocols

- GH/IGF-1 control in acromegaly
- Carcinoid syndrome symptom management
- Acute variceal bleeding, adjunct therapy
- VIPoma-associated diarrhea control

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