title: Octreotide - Neonatal Intensive Care Drug Manual
text: - Titrate according to response in line with above maximum doses
  - Octreotide is a somatostatin analogue - It inhibits release of growth hormone and of various peptides of the gastroenteropancreatic endocrine system (including insulin)
  - Common adverse events include flatulence, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal distension, hyperglycaemia, hypoglycaemia, hypothyroidism.
  - Necrotising enterocolitis has been reported in term neonates administered octreotide.
  - Rarely octreotide can cause hepatic dysfunction, bradycardia, steatorrhea
  - Monitor blood glucose, thyroid function, liver function, urea and electrolytes, signs and symptoms of necrotising enterocolitis
  - Avoid abrupt withdrawal of octreotide to avoid biliary colic and pancreatitis. Infusion can be gradually decreased over 2 to 7 days
  - In refractory hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia, tachyphylaxis to treatment may occur within several days
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