CHOLECYSTOKININ (Diagnostic)*

Some commonly used names are CCKand pancreozymin.

* Not commercially available in the U.S.

Category

• Cholecystokinetic
• Diagnostic aid, gallbladder disorders
• Diagnosticaid, pancreatic disorders
• Peristaltic stimulant

Description

Cholecystokinin (ko-le-sis-to-KIN-in) belongs to the group of medicines known as diagnosticaids. Diagnostic aids are used to help diagnose certain medical problems.Cholecystokinin is given by injection before tests are done to see if thegallbladder and pancreas are working the way they should. It is also usedto help with other tests of the stomach and intestines.

Cholecystokinin makes the gallbladder contract (squeeze together). It alsomakes the pancreas produce enzymes, which are some of the juices needed forthe digestion of food. In addition, cholecystokinin increases the movementsor contractions of the stomach and intestines. The doctor will know if thereis anything wrong with these organs if cholecystokinin does not work in theusual way.

The doses of cholecystokinin will be different for different patients anddepend on the weight of the patient and on the type of test.

Cholecystokinin is used only under the supervision of a doctor. It is availablein the following dosage form:

Parenteral
• For injection (Canada)

Before Having This Test

In deciding to use a diagnostic test, any risks of the test must be weighedagainst the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make.Also, test results may be affected by other things. For the test using cholecystokinin,the following should be considered:

Allergies?Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual orallergic reaction to cholecystokinin preparations. Also tell your doctor ifyou are allergic to any other substances.

Pregnancy?Cholecystokinin has not been studied in pregnantwomen. However, because cholecystokinin increases the movements or contractionsof some muscles, it may cause premature labor. It is very important that youdiscuss this with your doctor.

Breast-feeding?It is not known whether cholecystokinin passesinto the breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in smallamounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers whoare to receive this diagnostic test and who wish to breast-feed should discussthis with their doctor.

Children?Studies on this medicine have been done only in adultpatients, and there is no specific information comparing use of cholecystokininin children with use in other age groups.

Older adults?This medicine has been tested and has not been shownto cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does inyounger adults.

Other medicines?Although certain medicines should not be usedtogether at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used togethereven if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want tochange the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health careprofessional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter[OTC]) medicine.

Other medical problems?The presence of other medicalproblems may affect the use of cholecystokinin. Make sure you tell your doctorif you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Blockage of the intestines?The use of cholecystokinin may makethis problem worse

Preparation for This Test

Your doctor mayhave special instructions for you in preparation for your test. If you havenot received instructions or if you do not understand them, check with yourdoctor in advance.

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, cholecystokininmay cause some unwanted effects. These side effects should go away as theeffects of the medicine wear off. However, check with your health care professionalif any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

More common

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If younotice any other effects, check with your doctor.