a synthetic protein that is similar to the naturally-occurring hormone called somatostatin. Octreotide decreases the production of many substances in the body such as insulin and glucagon (involved in regulating blood sugar), growth hormone, and chemicals that affect digestion.

A potent, long-acting somatostatin octeopeptide analog which has a wide range of physiological actions. It inhibits growth hormone secretion, is effective in the treatment of hormone-secreting tumours from various organs, and has beneficial effects in the management of many pathological states.

is an 8-amino acid synthetic peptide. It mimics a protein that occurs naturally in the body called somatostatin. Octreotide is being investigated for the treatment of acromegaly by which it might achieve blocking the excess production of growth hormone from the pituitary gland. It is also being studied for the treatment of the symptoms associated with carcinoid tumors. Octreotide may work in a wide range of medical conditions other than acromegaly and carcinoid syndrome because somatostatin is not limited to one area of the body or one type of tissue. The protein is expressed throughout the body, therefore it could prevent the formulation of irregular blood vessels in the eye, alleviate the symptoms related to carcinoid tumors in the bowels, or limit excess growth hormone from the pituitary gland.

A drug similar to the naturally occurring growth hormone inhibitor somatostatin. Octreotide is used to treat diarrhea and flushing associated with certain types of tumors.

Octreotide (brand name Sandostatin, Novartis Pharmaceuticals) is an octapeptide that mimics natural somatostatin pharmacologically, though is a more potent inhibitor of growth hormone, glucagon, and insulin than the natural hormone.