<p>Somatostatin is given intravenously, by slow bolus injection (3 to 5 minutes) of 250 &micro;g or by continuous infusion at a rate of 250 &micro;g/hour (equivalent of approximately 3.5 &micro;g/kg body weight/hour). The lyophilised powder should be reconstituted with the physiological sodium chloride solution immediately prior to use. For continuous infusion one 3 mg of Somatostatin ampoule should be used to prepare a 12 hours infusion. The solution may be either saline or 5 % dextrose and should be adjusted to guarantee an outflow of 250 &micro;g somatostatin/hour. The use of a perfusion syringe is recommended.<br />
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<strong>Treatment of severe acute bleeding from the upper gastro-</strong><strong>intestinal tract, including from oesophageal varices</strong>: It is recommended to start by a slow intravenous injection of 250 &micro;g of Somatostatin as loading dose, then immediately followed by an intravenous infusion at a rate of 250 &micro;g/h. In case of interruption of more than 3 to 5 minutes between two infusions, an additional slow intravenous injection of 250 &micro;g is recommended to ensure a continuous treatment. Once the haemorrhage has stopped (usually in less than 12 to 24 hours), treatment should be continued for 48-72 hours in order to avoid rebleeding. Treatment up to 120 hours has been routinely performed in this indication.<br />
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<strong>Adjuvant treatment in pancreatic, biliary and intestinal fistulae</strong>: A continuous infusion of Somatostatin at a rate of 250 &micro;g/h is recommended until closure of the fistulae (2-20 days). This infusion should be performed in addition to total parenteral nutrition. Once the fistula has been closed, treatment should be continued for 1 to 3 days and stopped progressively in order to avoid rebound effect. Prophylactic treatment of postoperative complications following pancreatic surgery: Somatostatin is administered at the beginning of the surgical intervention at a rate of 250 &micro;g/h and treatment is continued for 5 days.</p>