Catalog
Somatostatin analog

Octreotide

aka Sandostatin

Workhorse somatostatin analog — acromegaly, NETs, variceal bleeding, refractory diarrhea.

FDA-approvedGrade A — Clinically established
Target
SSTR2 > SSTR5

Mechanism of action

Cyclic octapeptide somatostatin analog. Inhibits GH, glucagon, insulin, gastrin, VIP, serotonin secretion via SSTR2/5.

Pharmacokinetics

SC TID (immediate-release) or LAR depot monthly. t½ ~1.5 h IR.

Clinical context

Acromegaly (after surgery), carcinoid syndrome, VIPoma diarrhea, esophageal variceal bleeding (off-label but standard).

Monitoring

  • IGF-1 (acromegaly)
  • Glucose (can worsen or improve)
  • Gallbladder US (cholelithiasis)
  • TSH/T4

Safety

Contraindications
  • Hypersensitivity
Adverse effects
  • Cholelithiasis (~50% with chronic use)
  • Steatorrhea, GI
  • Glucose dysregulation
  • Bradycardia

Relevant labs

IGF-1Hemoglobin A1c

Covered in modules

Module 11
GnRH Analogs, Somatostatin & Oncology Peptides
Leuprolide, octreotide, lanreotide, pasireotide — the established peptide oncology toolkit.

Related compounds

GnRH receptor superagonist
Leuprolide

Generate prescriber-grade deep dive

Pull in expanded mechanism, PK/PD, dosing strategies for special populations, drug interactions, monitoring cadence, head-to-head differentials, prescriber pearls, and patient FAQs for Octreotide.

Educational reference. Not medical advice. Always verify against current FDA labeling and local regulatory guidance before prescribing or counseling.