Sincalide Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 19, 2025.

Applies to sincalide: intravenous powder for solution.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress closely while receiving the medicine to make sure that this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble breathing or swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after receiving this medicine.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before receiving this medicine. Sincalide may cause pre-term labor and early pregnancy loss in pregnant women. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about this.

This medicine stimulates the gallbladder to contract. If you have small gallstones, they may get stuck in the cystic duct or in the common bile duct and cause blockage. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about this.

This medicine may cause stomach or bowel problems. Tell your doctor right away if you have dizziness, flushing, nausea, stomach pain or cramping, or vomiting.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Common side effects of sincalide

Some side effects of sincalide may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Serious side effects of sincalide

Along with its needed effects, sincalide may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking sincalide:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to sincalide: injectable powder for injection, intravenous powder for injection.

General adverse events

Reactions to sincalide are usually mild and of short duration. Adverse reactions including vomiting, flushing, sweating, rash, hypotension, hypertension, shortness of breath, urge to defecate, headache, diarrhea, sneezing, and numbness were less than 1%. Dizziness was reported in approximately 2% of patients. These manifestations are usually attenuated by a slower injection rate.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included abdominal discomfort or pain and nausea. Rapid IV injection of 0.04 mcg sincalide per kg would be expected to cause transient abdominal cramping. These side effects are usually manifestations of the physiologic action of the drug, including delayed gastric emptying and increased intestinal motility. These side effects occurred in approximately 20% of patients but they are not to be construed as necessarily indicating an abnormality of the biliary tract unless there is other clinical or radiologic evidence of disease.^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Sincalide side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer