Somatostatin is a synthetic hormone. It mimics our natural hormones to regulate the endocrine system and control gastrointestinal motility as well as visceral bleeding. It is used to treat upper gastrointestinal bleeding, esophageal varices bleeding, and fistulas (intestinal, biliary, or pancreatic). It is also indicated for prophylaxis and treatment of postoperative complications following pancreatic surgery.
Somatostatin is injected intravenously as bolus or infusion.
For upper gastrointestinal bleeding:
250 mcg bolus administered over 3-5 minutes, immediately followed by 250 mcg/hour as continuous infusion. Continue 48-72 hours after the bleeding has stopped to avoid rebleeding.
For esophageal varices bleeding:
250 mcg bolus administered over 3-5 minutes, immediately followed by 250-500 mcg/hour as a continuous infusion for 2-5 days.
For intestinal, biliary, or pancreatic fistulas:
250 mcg/hour as a continuous infusion. Continue until fistula closure, then decrease to 125 mcg/hour for 48 hours to avoid recurrence.
For prophylaxis and treatment of postoperative complications following pancreatic surgery:
250 mcg/hour as a continuous infusion starting prior to surgery and continued for 5 days.
This drug may increase your blood glucose level. Report any symptoms immediately such as confusion, feeling sleepy, more thirst or more hungry.
Common dosing schedule:
N/A
Some common medications Somatostatin may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Somatostatin is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Somatostatin in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
Healthy Matters is Hong Kong’s leading health resource. Our mission is to help you make better health decisions and take control of your health.
Our team of experts is committed to producing reliable health content that is accurate, engaging and relevant, to cover your health & wellness journey from prevention to treatment.
Whether you are looking for trusted information on health conditions, wellbeing or looking for the right doctor or service in Hong Kong, we’re here to help!
Your health matters. Begin your health journey with Healthy Matters today!