Octreotide (Sandostatin) is the prototype somatostatin analog and one of the most important peptide drugs in clinical medicine. Since its approval in 1988, it has been the standard of care for acromegaly and carcinoid syndrome, and laid the foundation for all subsequent somatostatin-based therapeutics and radioligand therapies.
Dosage Information (Research Use)
Acromegaly: Sandostatin LAR 20-30mg IM every 4 weeks. Carcinoid: 100-600mcg/day SC in 2-4 divided doses, or LAR 20mg IM monthly. Prescription medication.
Reconstitution & Handling
IR: ready-to-use ampules. LAR: requires reconstitution with provided diluent immediately before injection.
Half-Life & Pharmacokinetics
90 minutes (IR); 28 days between LAR doses
Reported Observations in Literature
GI: diarrhea (34-61%), nausea (6-11%), abdominal pain (5-15%), flatulence. Gallstones (15-30% with long-term use). Injection site pain (LAR). Hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Cardiac conduction changes (bradycardia, QT prolongation) rare.
Key Research References
- Rinke A et al. “Placebo-controlled, double-blind, prospective, randomized study on the effect of octreotide LAR in the control of tumor growth in patients with midgut NETs (PROMID).” J Clin Oncol. 2009;27:4656-63