Home Drug Guide Secretin

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Secretin

Brand Names Secretin-ferring

Classification

Therapeutic: Endocrine and pancreatic secretion stimulant

Pharmacological: Hormone, peptide

FDA Approved Indications

  • Diagnostic evaluation of pancreatic function, particularly in cases of suspected pancreatic exocrine insufficiency or to differentiate pancreatic diseases

Mechanism of Action

Secretin is a peptide hormone that stimulates the pancreas to secrete bicarbonate-rich fluid, aiding in neutralizing gastric acid in the small intestine. It also influences the secretion of other pancreatic enzymes and bicarbonate.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Administered intravenously, typically 0.2 to 0.3 units/kg, as part of diagnostic testing to stimulate pancreatic secretions.

Pediatric: Use as per physician’s discretion; specific dosing based on age and weight, usually similar to adult protocols.

Geriatric: No specific dose adjustment; monitor for adverse reactions.

Renal Impairment: Use with caution; no specific dose adjustment but monitor closely.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; no specific dose adjustment.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Not applicable; administered parenterally.

Distribution: Rapidly distributed in plasma following IV injection.

Metabolism: Degraded by proteolytic enzymes in the circulation.

Excretion: Metabolites excreted by the kidneys.

Half Life: Approximately 4-6 minutes.

Contraindications

  • Allergy to secretin or any component of the formulation.
  • Patients with gastrointestinal bleeding or suspected gastrointestinal perforation.

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease; monitor for hypersensitivity reactions.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Nausea or abdominal discomfort (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Anaphylactic reactions (Rare)
  • Hypersensitivity reactions including rash, urticaria (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Potential interference with other diagnostic tests involving pancreatic secretions.

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Assess baseline pancreatic function and allergies.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for allergic reaction
  • Impaired pancreatic exocrine function

Implementation: Administer IV as ordered; monitor patient response and for adverse reactions.

Evaluation: Evaluate patient response to secretin administration, including any adverse effects.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Inform about the purpose of secretin testing.
  • Report any allergic symptoms or adverse effects immediately.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings: N/A

Genetic Factors: No known significant genetic considerations.

Lab Test Interference: May interfere with diagnostic studies of pancreatic function.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Allergic reactions, hypersensitivity symptoms.

Treatment: Discontinue drug immediately; manage symptoms supportively; treat anaphylaxis with epinephrine and antihistamines as required.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store in a refrigerator at 2-8°C.

Stability: Use immediately after reconstitution; stability varies per manufacturer instructions.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.