SOMATOSTATIN

It is a synthetic cyclic tetradecapeptide having the structure ofthe hypothalamic hormone that inhibits the release of growth hormone.

Indications

Acute severe bleeding oesophageal varices, acute upper GI bleeding resulting from gastric/duodenal ulcers and haemorrhagic gastritis. Intestinal and pancreatic fistulae. Hypersecretory endocrine tumours of the intestinal tract.

Dosage

Acute severe bleeding oesophageal varices, acute upper GI bleeding resulting from gastric/duodenal ulcers and haemorrhagic gastritis. Intestinal and pancreatic fistulae. Hypersecretory endocrine tumours of the intestinal tract.

Contra-Indications

Hypersensitivity.

Special Precautions

Blood glucose levels must be monitored, particularly in diabetics. In patients with fistula taper the dose after closure of the fistulae.

Side Effects

Abdominal discomfort, flushing, nausea and bradycardia, stetorrhea, dyspepsia, hypo-chlorhydria, cholelithiasis, mild watery diarra.