Topic Overview
Medicines that constrict small blood vessels and reduce blood flow
to the portal vein are used to treat sudden (acute) bleeding from enlarged
veins (varices) in the digestive tract (variceal bleeding).
Octreotide is the main medicine
used in the United States to treat variceal bleeding.
These medicines also may be used along with endoscopic treatment.
Adding medicine to endoscopic treatment works better to control bleeding than endoscopic treatment alone.1
Side effects of these medicines may include:
- Irregular heartbeats
(arrhythmias).
- Headache.
- Dizziness.
- Too
much sugar in the blood
(hyperglycemia).
- Diarrhea.
- Formation of gallstones
(with long-term use).
References
Citations
- Garcia-Tsao G, et al. (2007). Prevention and management of gastroesophageal varices and variceal hemorrhage in cirrhosis. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 102(9): 2086–2102.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
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| Specialist Medical Reviewer | W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology |
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| Last Revised | January 17, 2012 |
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Last Revised:
January 17, 2012
Garcia-Tsao G, et al. (2007). Prevention and management of gastroesophageal varices and variceal hemorrhage in cirrhosis. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 102(9): 2086–2102.