Octreotide

Overview

• long-acting analogue of somatostatin
• somatostatin is released from D cells of pancreas and inhibits the release of growth hormone, glucagon and insulin

Uses

• acute treatment of variceal haemorrhage
• acromegaly
• carcinoid syndrome
• prevent complications following pancreatic surgery
• VIPomas
• refractory diarrhoea

Adverse effects

• gallstones (secondary to biliary stasis)