Octreotide Acetate

Octreotide acetate is a synthetic octapeptide analog of naturally occurring somatostatin. It mimics somatostatin's inhibitory actions on growth hormone, glucagon, insulin, and gastrointestinal peptides, but has a significantly longer half-life and duration of action.

Dosage by Body Weight

Dosage is highly individualized depending on the indication (e.g., acromegaly, carcinoid syndrome, or variceal bleeding), clinical response, and tolerability. Administered via subcutaneous injection, intravenous infusion, or deep intramuscular depot injection. Pediatric use is specialized and requires close specialist supervision.

  1. Body Weight
    Below 5 kg
    Dose
    1 to 5 mcg/kg/day
    Frequency
    Divided every 8 to 12 hours (subcutaneous) or as a continuous IV infusion
    Tracking Notes
    Extremely critical. Prescribed primarily in specialized neonatal units for congenital hyperinsulinism. Monitor blood glucose levels closely.
  2. Body Weight
    5-7 kg
    Dose
    5 to 35 mcg/day
    Frequency
    Divided and administered every 8 to 12 hours subcutaneously
    Tracking Notes
    Adjust doses slowly based on clinical response and endocrine markers. Watch for signs of bradycardia or gastrointestinal upset.
  3. Body Weight
    8-10 kg
    Dose
    8 to 50 mcg/day
    Frequency
    Divided and administered every 8 to 12 hours subcutaneously
    Tracking Notes
    Long-term use may cause gallbladder abnormalities (cholelithiasis). Ultrasound monitoring is advised.
  4. Body Weight
    11-15 kg
    Dose
    11 to 75 mcg/day
    Frequency
    Divided and administered every 8 to 12 hours subcutaneously
    Tracking Notes
    May impair thyroid function; periodic thyroid function tests (TFTs) are recommended.
  5. Body Weight
    16-20 kg
    Dose
    16 to 100 mcg/day
    Frequency
    Divided and administered every 8 to 12 hours subcutaneously
    Tracking Notes
    Dosing titration should be closely monitored by a pediatric endocrinologist or pediatric gastroenterologist.

Formulation

InjectionDepot InjectionDelayed-Release Capsule

Purpose

Used to treat acromegaly, severe diarrhea and flushing associated with metastatic carcinoid tumors, vasoactive intestinal peptide-secreting tumors (VIPomas), and to control bleeding from gastroesophageal varices.

Generic Name

Octreotide Acetate

Branded Drug Names

Octreotide Acetate is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:

Scheduled Drug

Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.

Alternatives

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. WHO references and weight bands are simplified for tracking and must not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting or changing any medication.