Ceruletide

Summary

Ceruletide (cerulein) is a decapeptide analogue of cholecystokinin originally isolated from the skin of the Australian frog Litoria caerulea. It is used clinically as a diagnostic agent to stimulate gallbladder contraction and pancreatic secretion, and has been used to treat paralytic ileus. At high doses it is used experimentally to induce acute pancreatitis in animal models.

Mechanism of Action

Binds to cholecystokinin receptors (CCK1/CCK2), stimulating gallbladder contraction, pancreatic enzyme secretion, and gastrointestinal motility; also exerts central nervous system effects via CCK2 receptors.

Routes of Administration

Goals & Uses

• Treatment of paralytic ileusTherapeuticModerate
• Pancreatic exocrine function testingDiagnosticHigh
• Induction of experimental pancreatitisResearchHigh
• Appetite suppression researchResearchLow
• Gallbladder function testingDiagnosticHigh

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to ceruletideImmunologicHigh
• PregnancyPopulationModeratePotential fetal risk or insufficient safety data
• Biliary obstructionBiliaryHigh
• Acute pancreatitisGastrointestinalHigh
• Pancreatic duct obstructionGastrointestinalHigh

Adverse Effects

• Abdominal cramping/painGastrointestinalCommon
• Hypersensitivity/anaphylaxisImmunologicalRare
• HypotensionCardiovascularUncommonLow blood pressure
• FlushingVascularUncommonWarmth and redness of the skin
• Nausea and vomitingGastrointestinalCommon
• Acute pancreatitisGastrointestinalRare

Drug Interactions

• AtropineModerate
• Anticholinergic agentsModerate
• Opioid analgesicsModerate

Population Constraints

• Pediatric patientsAgeRelative
• Elderly patientsAgeRelative
• Pregnant womenReproductiveRelative
• Patients with known gallstonesGastrointestinalRelative

Regulatory Status

• European UnionApprovedApproved: Diagnostic agent for gallbladder and pancreatic function, Adjunct in treatment of paralytic ileusApproved in several EU member states; availability varies by country.
• United StatesUnapprovedNot FDA-approved for clinical use; available for research purposes only.
• United KingdomUnknownLimited information on current MHRA approval status post-Brexit; historically used diagnostically.

Approved in some European countries and Japan as a diagnostic and therapeutic agent. Not FDA-approved in the United States for clinical use; used primarily as a research tool in the US.

Evidence & Sources

No sources recorded yet.