Somatostatin Analogs

Somatostatin analogs are used to suppress growth in patients with acromegaly. In addition, octreotide is used in the treatment of bleeding esophageal and gastric varices due to its constricting effect on intestinal arterioles. 

Lanreotide is used in the treatment of gastric, intestinal, and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. 

Diarrhea and steatorrhea are common side effects.

Class Drugs

• Octreotide

• Lanreotide

Class Mechanism of Action

Suppresses somatotropin, insulin, glucagon, and gastrin release from their respective tissues.

Decreases secretion of vasoactive intestinal peptide and gastrin and decreases blood flow to intestinal arterioles

Class Applications

Acromegaly

Gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors (lanreotide)

Class Adverse Effects

Diarrhea

Abdominal pain

Steatorrhea

Nausea

Drug Table

Drug Name	Application	Comments	Image
Octreotide	Bleeding esophageal varices		"Octagon" "Tide
Lanreotide	Gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors		"Lane" "Rio" "Tide"