PHARMACOLOGY
Synthetic analogue of somatostatin. Inhibits secretions in the gastro-enteropancreatic system. Reduces splanchnic blood flow, GI motility, gastric/pancreatic/ small bowel secretions.
Onset of action: 30 minutes
Time to peak: 30 minutes SC
Duration of action: 8 h
Plasma ½ life: 1.5 h SC
DOSING
- 200 mcg-500 mcg in divided doses (bid or tid) SC; 300-1200 mcg/24h by SC infusion
- 1-10 mcg/kg/24h or in divided doses q12-24h SC
UNWANTED EFFECTS
- Sinus bradycardia
- Hyperglycemia
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Flatulence
- Dry mouth
- Flushing
NOTE
This information is drawn from a number of sources (see below). The reader is encouraged to access these and other relevant literature for more detail. As always, sound clinical judgment should be used in individual clinical cases. In particular, it should be remembered that there may be significant variation in the pharmokinetics of a drug resulting from a number of factors, including the individual patient’s metabolism/disease status and how the medication has been formulated.
SOURCES/REFERENCES
- Brunton LL, Lazo JS, Parker KL, editors. Goodman and Gilman’s: the pharmacological basis of therapeutics. 11th ed. McGraw-Hill Professional; 2006.
- Twycross R, Wilcock A. Palliative care formulary. 3rd ed. Radcliffe Medical Press Ltd; 2008.
- Repchinsky C, editor. Compendium of pharmaceuticals and specialties (CPS): the Canadian drug reference for health professionals. 44th ed. Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2009.
- Goldman A, Hain R, Liben S. Oxford textbook of palliative care for children. 1st ed. Oxford University Press; 2006.
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