indication

For the treatment of esophageal variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhotic liver disease and has also shown efficacy in the treatment of patients with AIDS-related diarrhea.

pharmacology

Vapreotide is a somatostatin analog with a higher metabolic stability than the parent hormone. Vapreotide reduces splanchnic blood flow; inhibits growth hormone release, and inhibits the release of peptides and vasoactive compounds from neuroendocrine tumors.

mechanism of action

The exact mechanism of action is unknown, although one study has provided in vitro and in vivo evidence for a tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist effect in the analgesic effects of vapreotide (PMID: 7556407).

toxicity

Safety data are limited, however, headache, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain have been reported commonly with the use of vapreotide.

half life

30 minutes

route of elimination

Vapreotide is 76% eliminated in bile. The remainder is renally eliminated.