Somatostatin
Also known as: GH-RIH, Modustatin, Somatotropin Release‑Inhibiting Factor, SRIF, SRIF (Somatotropin Release-Inhibiting Factor), SST, SST-14, SST-28, Stilamin
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Summary
Endogenous 14‑amino‑acid peptide that broadly inhibits hormone secretion; used experimentally and as a template for therapeutic analogs (e.g., octreotide).
Mechanism of Action
Binds to somatostatin receptors (SSTR1‑5), G‑protein coupled receptors that inhibit adenylate cyclase, reduce cAMP, and suppress secretion of growth hormone, insulin, glucagon, gastrin, and other endocrine and exocrine hormones.
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Inhibit excess hormone secretionEndocrine ControlModerate
- Inhibition of pancreatic secretion / fistula managementGastroenterology / SurgeryModerate
- Suppression of growth hormone secretionEndocrinologyModerate
- Control of acute variceal bleedingHemostasis / GastroenterologyHigh
- Reduction of hormone hypersecretion in carcinoid/VIPomaOncology / EndocrinologyLow
- Management of acute gastrointestinal bleedingGastroenterologyModerate
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to somatostatinAllergyHigh
- PregnancyPopulationModeratePotential fetal risk or insufficient safety data
- LactationReproductiveModerate
Adverse Effects
- Injection site reactionsLocalUncommon
- Gastrointestinal discomfortGastrointestinalCommon
- FlushingVascularUncommonWarmth and redness of the skin
- Nausea and vomitingGastrointestinalCommon
- Altered glucose homeostasisMetabolicUncommon
- Hypoglycemia / HyperglycemiaMetabolic / EndocrineCommon
- Abdominal discomfort / diarrheaGastrointestinalCommon
- BradycardiaCardiovascularUncommon
Drug Interactions
- InsulinModerateMay increase risk of low blood sugar
- Oral hypoglycemics (e.g., sulfonylureas)Moderate
- Antihypertensives / Beta-blockersLow
- CyclosporineModerate
- BromocriptineLow
- Insulin / Oral hypoglycemicsModerate
Population Constraints
- Hepatic / Renal impairmentOrgan ImpairmentRelative
- Pediatric patientsAgeRelative
- Pregnant womenReproductiveRelative
- Diabetic PatientsMetabolicRelative
- Patients with cardiac conduction disordersCardiovascularRelative
Regulatory Status
- European UnionUnapprovedSame as US; used in research contexts.
- United StatesUnapprovedNot marketed as a drug; available for research use only.
- United KingdomUnapprovedNo therapeutic licensing.
Not approved as a therapeutic agent in major jurisdictions; employed mainly in research and diagnostic settings.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Somatostatin?
Endogenous 14‑amino‑acid peptide that broadly inhibits hormone secretion; used experimentally and as a template for therapeutic analogs (e.g., octreotide).
What is Somatostatin used for?
Somatostatin is educationally associated with: Inhibit excess hormone secretion, Inhibition of pancreatic secretion / fistula management, Suppression of growth hormone secretion, Control of acute variceal bleeding, Reduction of hormone hypersecretion in carcinoid/VIPoma, Management of acute gastrointestinal bleeding. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Somatostatin administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Intrathecal, Intravenous, Subcutaneous.
What are the potential side effects of Somatostatin?
Reported adverse effects include: Injection site reactions, Gastrointestinal discomfort, Flushing, Nausea and vomiting, Altered glucose homeostasis, Hypoglycemia / Hyperglycemia, Abdominal discomfort / diarrhea, Bradycardia. This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Somatostatin?
Recorded contraindications: Known hypersensitivity to somatostatin, Pregnancy, Lactation. Consult a qualified clinician before use.