Generic Name:

Octreotide

Trade Name:

Sandostatin

Action:

Synthetic Somatostatin

Indications:

Upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding
Acute Variceal Hemorrhage

Administration Guidelines:

Usual Dosage Range and Route:

GI Bleed/Acute Variceal Hemorrhage
IV Infusion: 25 to 50mcg/hour

Standard Concentration:

1200 mcg/250ml

EW Standard:

1200 mcg/250ml

Special Considerations:

- Monitor serum glucose, serum electrolytes, dosages of antidiabetic agents may need to be adjusted

- Duration of therapy should be no longer than 72 hours due to lack of efficacy beyond this time period.

Precautions and Side Effects:

- Dizziness, anxiety, anorexia, depression

-Hypertension, rarely

-Thrombocytopenia

-Hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia

-Abdominal cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting