Octreotide Treatment for Massive Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding, July 30, 1998

Octreotide Treatment for Massive Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding, July 30, 1998

Octreotide is currently the drug of choice for treating upper gastrointestinal bleeding (EVB—esophageal variceal bleeding; GMb—other upper gastrointestinal bleeding). It is available in 0.1 mg per vial. Initially, 0.1 mg is added to 20 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride solution for intravenous drip, followed by 0.2 mg added to 500 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride solution for another intravenous drip. This regimen can be continued for up to two weeks, with a total dose of up to 3 mg. The emergence of this drug has largely replaced the traditional classic methods of using a three-lumen double-balloon compression hemostasis device and combining pituitrin for treating upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The hemostatic effect of octreotide lies in lowering portal venous pressure and reducing the amount of blood flowing back from beneath the upper gastrointestinal mucosa.