Uses of somatostatin

Somatostatin drug is commonly used in the treatment of acute bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract such as bleeding due to peptic ulcer disease, patients with esophagitis, bleeding gastritis. In some cases, the drug is also used in the prevention of postoperative complications after pancreatic surgery.

Somatostatin is a drug that is prepared in the form of a powder for injection with a powder for solution for intravenous infusion. This is a peptide hormone that has the ability to regulate endocrine, cell growth and affect neurotransmitters through interaction with protein-coupled G. The drug contributes to inhibiting the production of secondary hormones. In addition, the mechanism of action of Somatostatin also inhibits the production of insulin and glucagon.
Regarding the effects on the stomach, Somatostatin has the ability to block the intermediate components (serotonin, histamine and gastrin). This will curb the production of stomach acid and slow down the digestive process. Because Somatostatin plays the role of a local transporter, the drug will have a function in regulating the secretion of hormones and hormones as well as controlling gastrointestinal motility.

2.1. Indications Somatostatin drug is often used in the treatment of the following diseases:
Use the drug in the prevention of complications after pancreatic surgery. Support for the treatment of acute bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract with diseases such as bleeding due to peptic ulcer of the stomach - duodenum, esophageal aneurysm, gastritis leading to bleeding,... and pancreatic fistula. Support the treatment of excessive secretion of gastrointestinal endocrine tumors. Support for the treatment of diabetes in patients with acid-ketosis. In some other cases, Somatostatin can be used when prescribed by a doctor.
2.2. Contraindications In addition to contraindications, you also need to pay attention that Somatostatin is contraindicated for the following subjects:
Pregnant and lactating women, especially women in the last months of pregnancy, during labor, and about to born. Hypersensitivity to any ingredient in Somatostatin.

Somatostatin is a drug used by injection / intravenous infusion with the following reference dosage:
3.1. Somatostatin treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding: Use the drug as a continuous intravenous infusion of 3.5 mcg/kg over a period of 1 hour. The drug can be used for slow intravenous injection (more than 3 minutes), paying attention to check arterial blood pressure before infusion. The drug should be used for 48-72 hours to minimize bleeding and prevent new bleeding. The maximum duration of Somatostatin treatment is 120 hours. 3.2. Prophylaxis of complications after pancreatic surgery In this case, Somatostatin was used intraoperatively and postoperatively.
The usual dose is 3.5 mcg/kg/hour. Somatostatin should be maintained for about 5 days after surgery. 3.3. Adjunctive treatment of diabetic patients with ketoacidosis Use Somatostatin with insulin at a dose of 10 units and intravenous infusion from 1 to 4.8 units over a period of 1 hour. After 4 hours, the patient's blood glucose level will stabilize again. 3.4. Somatostatin treatment of patients with acute pancreatitis and pancreatic fistula Use the drug as an intravenous infusion of 3.5 mcg/kg/hour. Patients need to be maintained intravenously for a period of 7-10 days. For severe cases, treatment for 15 days can be considered.

Somatostatin has the ability to inhibit insulin production, so its use can cause hypoglycemia after infusion.
In some cases where the infusion is too fast, the drug can cause some side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, flushing and abdominal pain. Basically, the side effects of the drug are quite uncommon, only appear transient and will soon disappear when you stop taking the drug.

When mixing Somatostatin solution for infusion, it should not be mixed with solutions containing fructose or glucose, because it will lead to drug interactions, reducing the effectiveness of the drug.

The use of Somatostatin drug can cause adverse effects, so when using the drug, it must be strictly controlled by medical staff.
Somatostatin has the ability to block the production of glucagon and insulin, so it should be used with extreme caution in insulin-dependent patients. During the use of the drug, it is necessary to closely monitor blood sugar to detect hypoglycemia in time.
Patients with gastrointestinal fistula requiring long-term drug therapy. Patients should be closely monitored by a specialist before treatment is discontinued.
Somatostatin can inhibit intestinal absorption, so sometimes doctors will recommend patients to use parenteral nutrition at the same time to protect the best health.
Above is some basic information about the drug Somatostatin. To use the drug correctly, to help promote the best effect, you need to follow the instructions and instructions of the specialist. Absolutely do not arbitrarily buy and use drugs for injections and infusions at home, which will lead to complications and harmful side effects to health.