Octreotide Dosage
Octreotide acetate is a synthetic compound designed to act like somatostatin, a naturally occurring body hormone that controls the release of other hormones and neurotransmitters. Because of its somatostatin-like activity, octreotide acetate has become popular in modern medicine. It is used often in the control of many body processes reliant on hormonal signaling.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how octreotide acetate works, including its interactions at the biochemical level, the conditions it is used to treat, and what its use means for patients and medical professionals.
Octreotide Dosage Chart
| Condition | Dosage Form | Starting Dose | Maximum Dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acromegaly (Adults) | Long-Acting Injection | 20 mg every 4 weeks for 3 months | Adjusted as needed |
| Acromegaly (Children) | Long-Acting Injection | Determined by doctor | N/A |
| Symptoms from Intestinal Tumors (Adults) | Long-Acting Injection | 20 mg every 4 weeks for 2 months | Adjusted as needed |
| Symptoms from Intestinal Tumors (Children) | Long-Acting Injection | Determined by doctor | N/A |
| Acromegaly (Adults) | Short-Acting Injection | 50 mcg subcutaneously 3 times a day | Adjusted as needed |
| Acromegaly (Children) | Short-Acting Injection | Determined by doctor | N/A |
| Carcinoid Tumors (Adults) | Short-Acting Injection | 100–600 mcg/day in 2–4 divided doses | 1500 mcg/day |
| Carcinoid Tumors (Children) | Short-Acting Injection | Determined by doctor | N/A |
| Severe Diarrhea from Intestinal Tumors (Adults) | Short-Acting Injection | 200–300 mcg/day in 2–4 divided doses | 450 mcg/day |
| Severe Diarrhea from Intestinal Tumors (Children) | Short-Acting Injection | Determined by doctor | N/A |
About Octreotide
Octreotide peptide is used to help reduce the production of growth hormone in patients with acromegaly-a condition in which the body produces too much growth hormone. This can lead to enlarged hands, feet, facial features, joint pain, and other symptoms, especially in patients who cannot manage this condition with surgery, radiation, or other medications.
This form of octreotide is routinely used for management of diarrhea and flushing related to carcinoid tumors, slow-growing tumors that release hormone-like substances, and VIPomas-rare tumors that grow in the pancreas and release vasoactive intestinal peptides, causing a range of digestive symptoms.
There is also a long-acting version of the injection that is used to manage acromegaly, carcinoid tumors, and VIPomas in patients who have responded to therapy but would prefer fewer injections over time.
Octreotide Benefits
Acromegaly Treatment
Octreotide is typically given to patients who have acromegaly, a condition where the body produces excess growth hormone. In a normal situation, this hormone regulates bone, tissue, and organ growth. When produced in excess, it creates noticeable physical deformities such as enlarged hands, feet, and facial features, and leads to headaches, joint pain, fatigue, numbness in the hands and feet, and excessive sweating. Octreotide manages these symptoms by decreasing the amount of growth hormone in the body, thereby improving the quality of life of patients.
Control of Gastrointestinal Tumors
Octreotide is also used to manage symptoms of gastrointestinal tumors, including carcinoid tumors, VIPomas, gastrinomas, glucagonomas, and insulinomas. The tumors can lead to overproduction of hormones by the stomach, bowels, or pancreas, which disrupt the balance in the body and cause symptoms like flushing, diarrhea, rash, low blood pressure, and weight loss. Octreotide acts by regulating the hormone levels and relieving these symptoms, thereby serving as an effective drug in the treatment of hormone-secreting tumors.
Prevention of Postoperative Pancreatic Complications
Patients are at risk of developing complications such as abdominal abscesses and pancreatitis after pancreatic surgery. Octreotide can be given after surgery to reduce these risks. It works by inhibiting the secretion of pancreatic juices, which can cause infection and inflammation while healing. It is a useful medication for improving surgical outcomes for pancreatic surgery.
Management of Bleeding from Gastro-Oesophageal Varices
Bleeding from ruptured gastro-esophageal varices in chronic liver disease patients, e.g. cirrhosis, can be catastrophic and potentially life-threatening situations. Octreotide not only prevents further bleeding but also reduces the risk of bleeding recurrences. It achieves this by reducing blood flow to the portal venous system, thus easing pressure on the varices. As such, patients need fewer blood transfusions and are less likely to suffer complications.
Treatment of Pituitary Tumors That Secrete Excess TSH
Octreotide is used in the treatment of pituitary tumors that produce excess thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). These tumors can lead to hyperthyroidism, a disorder where the thyroid gland is overactive. Octreotide works by preventing the release of TSH and controlling the hormone levels. The therapy is especially useful for those who are unable to undergo surgery or radiation, or during the waiting time for radiation to take its full action.
Dosage Calculator
The right dose of octreotide can differ between individuals. It’s essential to take it according to your doctor’s directions or precisely as indicated on the prescription label. The dosing guidelines provided here are general and might not represent your personal treatment regimen. Always discuss dose changes with your doctor.
The dosage of octreotide depends on several factors, such as the strength of the medicine, your condition, how often it is to be taken, and how your body responds to treatment.
Long-Acting Injection (Depot Form)
For Acromegaly (Adults)
- Initial dose: 20mg injected into the buttocks every 4 weeks.
- Duration: Normally for the first 3 months.
- Adjustment: Your doctor may increase or decrease the dose based on your tolerance.
For Acromegaly (Children)
- Dose and usage will be determined by the prescribing doctor.
For Severe Diarrhea and Symptoms from Intestinal Tumors (Adults)
- Initial dose: 20 mg injected into muscle every 4 weeks.
- Duration: Usually over a 2-month period.
- Adjustment: Your doctor can adjust the dose depending on response.
For Children
- The appropriate dosage must be prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Short-Acting Injection (Solution Form)
For Acromegaly (Adults)
- Initial dose: 50 mcg subcutaneously injected three times a day.
- Adjustment: Your doctor may adjust this dose depending on response and side effects.
For Acromegaly (Children)
- Dosage will be determined individually by the prescriber.
For Carcinoid Tumors (Adults)
- Initial usual range: 100 to 600 mcg a day.
- Dosing frequency: Taken 2 to 4 times a day subcutaneously, in divided doses.
- Duration: Usually for the first 2 weeks.
- Maximum recommended dosage: 1500 mcg a day.
For Carcinoid Tumors (Children)
- Dose must be personalized by a physician.
- For Severe Diarrhea due to Intestinal Tumors (Adults)
- Initial dose: 200 to 300 mcg a day, in 2 to 4 divided doses.
- Administration: Give subcutaneously over the first 2 weeks.
- Maximum recommended dose: 450 mcg a day.
For Children
- A pediatrician or specialist will determine the proper dose.