UMEM Educational Pearls

Title: Octreotide use for Sulfonylurea Poisoning

Keywords: Sulfonylureas, Octreotide (PubMed Search)

Posted: 7/19/2018 by Kathy Prybys, MD
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Sulfonylureas are commonly used oral hypoglycemic agents for type II diabetes. Agents on the market include glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Micronase, Glynase, Dibeta) and glymepiride (Amaryl). These agents exert their effect by stimulation of insulin release from the pancreatic beta islet cells. Following overdose, hypoglycemia is usually seen within a few hours of ingestion and can be prolonged and profound. First line treatment for rapid correction of severe hypoglycemia is administration of an intravenous bolus of concentrated dextrose. However, use of dextrose infusion in attempt to maintain euglycemia is problematic as it can cause further release of insulin and rebound hypoglycemia. Octreotide ia a long acting synthetic somatostain analogue, blocks insulin secretion and has been shown to prevent recurrence of hypogylcemia better than placebo.

Bottom Line:

Octreotide is the antidote of choice for sulfonylurea poisoning. Its use greatly simplifies management by avoiding the need for a central line, prolonged ICU admit, and frequent monitoring.
Bolus 50 μg IV followed by an infusion of 25–50μg/h or give100 mcg subcutaneously with additional doses at 6-12 hour intervals for recurrent hypoglycemia. Octreotide has similar bioavailability by SC and IV route. It's duration of action can extend from 6 to 12 hours with SC use.
After stopping Octreotide monitor for 12-24 hours for rebound hypoglycemia.

References

Comparison of Octreotide and standard therapy versus standard therapy alone for treatment of sulfonylurea-induced hypoglycemia, Fasano CJ, O’Malley, et al. Ann Emerg Med. 2008 Apr;51(4): 400-406.

Octreotide for the treatment of sulfonylurea poisoning. Glatstein M. et al. Clin Toxicol 2012;50:795-804.