What is the dose of octreotide (Sandostatin) for hours?

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Last updated: March 2, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

The recommended dose of octreotide is 25-50 mg/h by continual i.v. infusion. This dose can be titrated up to 500 mg s.c./i.v. tid as needed 1. The usual starting dose for octreotide is 100–150 lg s.c./i.v. tid 1.

Key Considerations

  • The dose of octreotide may need to be adjusted based on the severity of the patient's condition and their response to treatment.
  • Octreotide can be administered via continuous infusion or subcutaneously, depending on the patient's needs and the severity of their symptoms.
  • It is essential to monitor the patient's symptoms and adjust the dose of octreotide accordingly to ensure optimal management of their condition.

Administration and Monitoring

  • Octreotide should be administered by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting, where the patient can be closely monitored for any adverse reactions or changes in their condition.
  • The patient's vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate, should be monitored regularly during treatment with octreotide.
  • The patient's symptoms, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea, should also be monitored and documented regularly to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.

Potential Side Effects

  • Octreotide can cause a range of side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain 1.
  • The patient should be informed of the potential side effects of octreotide and monitored closely for any adverse reactions during treatment.
  • If the patient experiences any severe or persistent side effects, the dose of octreotide may need to be adjusted or the treatment discontinued.

From the FDA Drug Label

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Octreotide acetate injection may be administered subcutaneously or intravenously... The initial dosage is usually 50 mcg administered twice or 3 times daily.

  • The dose of octreotide (Sandostatin) is usually 50 mcg administered 2-3 times daily.
  • The dose may be titrated upward as needed, with some patients requiring up to 500 mcg 3 times a day for maximum effectiveness 2.

From the Research

Dose of Octreotide

The dose of octreotide (Sandostatin) can vary depending on the specific condition being treated and the patient's response to the medication.

  • For chemotherapy-induced diarrhea, one study used a continuous infusion of 50 micrograms/h for 12 hours, followed by 100 micrograms/h for 12 hours, and subsequently 150 micrograms/h for 72 hours 3.
  • Another study used a dose escalation of continuous intravenous octreotide acetate, starting at 150 micrograms and doubling the dose up to a maximum of 2,400 micrograms 4.
  • For CPT-11-induced diarrhea, patients responded to subcutaneous octreotide given every 8 hours or by continuous subcutaneous infusion, but the specific dose was not specified 5.
  • For diarrhea after pelvic pouch surgery, a standard dose of 10 mg of long-acting octreotide (Sandostatin LAR) was used 6.
  • For morning hyperglycemia and growth hormone levels in insulin-dependent diabetic patients, octreotide was administered through subcutaneous injections at different hours or through continuous subcutaneous night infusion at an increasing rate, with doses ranging from 50 mcg to an unspecified maximum dose 7.

Administration Route and Frequency

The administration route and frequency of octreotide can also vary depending on the specific condition being treated.

  • Continuous infusion, subcutaneous injections, and long-acting formulations have been used in different studies 3, 5, 4, 6, 7.
  • The frequency of administration can range from every 8 hours to continuous infusion, depending on the specific condition and patient response 3, 5, 4, 7.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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