Octreotide

Indications:

• Management of symptoms of carcinoid tumors and vasoactive intestinal peptide-secreting tumors (VIPomas).
• Acromegaly, when surgery or radiotherapy is not an option or has not been effective.
• Prevention of complications following pancreatic surgery.
• Management of refractory diarrhea due to AIDS.

Mechanism of Action: Octreotide works by binding to somatostatin receptors, thereby inhibiting the secretion of various hormones, including growth hormone, insulin, glucagon, and gastrin, among others. Its effects are similar to the natural hormone somatostatin, but octreotide is more potent and has a longer duration of action.

Pharmacokinetics:

• Absorption: Rapidly absorbed after subcutaneous administration.
• Distribution: Widely distributed throughout the body.
• Metabolism: Largely unmetabolized, but some minor metabolites are produced.
• Excretion: Excreted primarily through the kidneys.

Form: Octreotide API is typically found as a white to off-white powder.