• inhibits pathologically increased secretion of peptides and serotonin produced within the gastroentero-pancreatic (GEP) endocrine system and growth hormone, thus used in pancreatitis or post pancreatic surgery to prevent complications such as pancreatic fistula or abscess
• thought to reduce splanchnic blood flow primarily by inhibiting vasoactive gastrointestinal hormone secretion and exerting a direct vasomotor effect on splanchnic vessels, thus reducing portal blood flow;  used in the emergency management of bleeding gastroesophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis

• for pancreatic effect: 100 ug sc tid
• for bleeding esophageal varices:
• 50 ug IV bolus
• 50 ug/hr IV infusion for 24-48 hours

• SC dose:  ensure site rotated with each dose
• IV Bolus dose:
• 50 ug in 50 ml NS over 10 minutes
• IV Infusion:
• 500 ug in 250 ml NS

• hyper- or hypo-glycemia
• altered absoprtion of dietary fats
• gallstones formation
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence
• pain or burning at sc administration site
• flushing, edema
• sinus bradycardia or conduction abnormalities

• oral cyclosporin + octreotide  = delayed and reduced absorption of cyclosporin

blood glucose

amylase, lipase

bowel function

ECG, HR

BP

presence of hematemesis or melena

HgB

• May be administered SC or by IV infusion by an RN.
• Continuous infusion must be administered via an infusion pump.