What is Sincalide?
The use of sincalide to diagnose gallbladder and pancreatic disorders is common. Sincalide can also be used to accelerate the digestion of barium (a contrast agent) given before an x-ray of the intestines. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of sincalide.
Side effects of Sincalide
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives, facial or throat swelling and difficulty swallowing. Seek medical assistance immediately!
Sincalide can cause serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if:
- Severe nausea, vomiting, or abdominal cramps
- Feeling dizzy, as though they could faint.
Side effects of sincalide include:
- Stomach pain or discomfort
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
If you have an obstruction in your intestines, then you should not be receiving sincalide. Inform your doctor that you are pregnant. Receiving sincalide during pregnancy may result in a miscarriage or premature labour.
Before you take this drug
Sincalide should not be used if the patient is allergic to it or has a blockage of the intestines.
Notify your doctor of any of the following conditions:
- Gallstones.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant. Receiving the medicine during pregnancy can result in miscarriage and premature labour.
Breast-feeding may not be possible while taking this medication. You should consult your doctor if you are concerned about any risks.
How to take Sincalide?
Infusion of sincalide into a vein is the most common way to administer it. This injection is given by your healthcare provider as part of a medical test or x-ray.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for barium meal transit:
Sincalide can cause pyloric contracture, just like cholecystokinin. The recommended dose of 0.04 mcg/kg IV is given over 30- to 60-second intervals. A second dose can be given if the barium meal is not absorbed within 30 minutes.
A 30-minute infusion of sodium chloride diluted with 0.12 mcg/kg may be given to reduce the intestinal side effects.
Adult dose for pancreatic secretion:
To test pancreatic functions: 0.25 units per kg IV for 60 minutes.
After 30 minutes, administer a separate infusion of sodium chloride at a dose of 0.02 mg per kg. (For example, the total sincalide dose for a patient weighing 70 kg is 1.4 mg; dilute the 1.4 ml reconstituted solution into 30 ml and then give it at the rate of 1 ml/min.)
Adult dosage for gallbladder contraction:
Initial dose: IV: 0.02 mcg/kg over 30 to 60 minutes
If the gallbladder has not contracted satisfactorily after 15 minutes, you may administer a second dose of 0.04 mcg/kg intravenously.
To reduce the intestinal side effects of an intravenous solution, a 0.12 mcg/kg dose in 100 ml of sodium chloride can be prepared and administered at 2 ml/minute. An intramuscular dosage of 0.1 mg/kg is also possible.
Sincalide is usually used for cholecystography. Normally, five minutes after injection, roentgenograms should be taken. It may be necessary, to visualise the cystic ducts, to take roentgenograms every minute for the first five minutes following the injection.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Sincalide does not require a daily dosage schedule and is only used in a single dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdoses are unlikely because sincalide is administered by healthcare professionals in a medical environment.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Sincalide may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
