Ocreotide: A ‘unique antidote’
In their article, Dr. Smollin and colleagues describe the use of ocreotide, a long-acting somatostatin agonist that reverses the insulin-releasing effect of sulfonylureas on pancreatic beta cells, resulting in diminished insulin secretion. Unlike glucose supplementation, ocreotide doesn’t stimulate additional insulin release. It is of longer duration than glucagon, the authors say.
“The management of sulfonylurea overdose includes administration of glucose but also may include the use of octreotide, a unique antidote for sulfonylurea induced hypoglycemia,” Dr. Smollin said.
However, he also cautioned, “there is a broad differential diagnosis for hypoglycemia, and clinicians must consider many alternative diagnoses.”
Dr. McKenna and Dr. Smollin have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.