SECRETIN: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Secretin is a hormone produced by the digestive tract. It is used as a medicine. Some secretin products are taken from pigs, while others are made in the laboratory. Two dosage forms are available as drugs. Secretin is either placed under the tongue or given by IV (intravenously).

Secretin is used to treat autism, schizophrenia, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

How does it work ?

Secretin is a hormone that is produced by the digestive tract. It stimulates the release of bicarbonate and water from the pancreas to aid digestion.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Likely InEffective for

Autism. Although some parents have reported an improvement in stomach and intestinal function, social and behavioral abilities, and language skills after single intravenous doses of secretin, high-quality clinical research shows that secretin does not work any better than placebo for improving symptoms of autism.

Insufficient Evidence for

Swelling (inflammation) of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Some early research shows that secretin might help improve symptoms of chronic pancreatitis. But not all research agrees.
Schizophrenia. Early research shows that secretin does not help people with schizophrenia.
Intestinal ulcers.
Digestive tract bleeding.
Heart failure.
Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of secretin for these uses.

Side Effects

When given by IV: Secretin is LIKELY SAFE when the prescription product is given by IV by a healthcare provider. Common side effects of secretin include flushing of the face, neck, and chest immediately after a dose. Less common side effects are vomiting, diarrhea, fainting, blood clot, fever, and rapid heartbeat. Some people can have allergic reactions including hives, redness of the skin, and a life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

When given under the tongue: There isn't enough reliable information to know if secretin is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if secretin is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for SECRETIN overview.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of secretin depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for secretin. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

View References

REFERENCES:

Brandler J, Miller LJ, Wang XJ, et al. Secretin effects on gastric functions, hormones and symptoms in functional dyspepsia and health: randomized crossover trial. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2020;318(4):G635-G645. View abstract.

Cao X, Feng F, Liu X, et al. Exogenous secretin improves parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease in rats. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2020;70(4):430-435. View abstract.

Coniglio SJ, Lewis JD, Lang C, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of single-dose intravenous secretin as treatment for children with autism. J Pediatr 2001;138:649-55. View abstract.

Honomichl RD, Goodlin-Jones BL, Burnham MM, Hansen RL, Anders TF. Secretin and sleep in children with autism. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev. 2002;33(2):107-23. View abstract.

Horvath K, Stefatos G, Sokolski KN. Improved social and language skills after secretin administration. J Assoc Acad Minor Phys 1998;9:9-15. View abstract.

Jowell PS, Branch MS, Fein SH, et al. Intravenous synthetic secretin reduces the incidence of pancreatitis induced by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Pancreas. 2011;40(4):533-9. View abstract.

Jowell PS, Robuck-Mangum G, Mergener K, et al. A double-blind, randomized, dose response study testing the pharmacological efficacy of synthetic porcine secretin. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2000;14:1679-84.. View abstract.

Laurila S, Sun L, Lahesmaa M, et al. Secretin activates brown fat and induces satiation. Nat Metab 2021;3(6):798-809. View abstract.

Law R, Vargo JJ, Stevens T. Acute pancreatitis and aspiration pneumonia after administration of synthetic human secretin (with video). Gastrointest Endosc. 2011;74(5):1166-8. View abstract.

Levenick JM, Andrews CL, Purich ED, Gordon SR, Gardner TB. A phase II trial of human secretin infusion for refractory type B pain in chronic pancreatitis. Pancreas. 2013;42(4):596-600. View abstract.

Lightdale JR, Hayer C, Duer A, et al. Effects of intravenous secretin on language and behavior of children with autism and gastrointestinal symptoms: a single-blinded, open-label pilot study. Pediatrics 2001;108:90. View abstract.

Mulvihill SJ, Debas HT. Regulatory peptides in the gut. In: Greenspan FS, Strewler GJ, Eds. Basic & Clinical Endocrinology. 5th ed. Stamford, CT: Appleton & Lange, 1997:581.

Roberts W, Weaver L, Brian J, et al. Repeated doses of porcine secretin in the treatment of autism: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Pediatrics 2001;107:e71.

Sandler AD, Sutton KA, DeWeese J, et al. Lack of benefit of a single dose of synthetic human secretin in the treatment of autism and pervasive developmental disorder. N Engl J Med 1999;341(24):1801-6. View abstract.

Secretin for the treatment of autism. Pharmacist's Letter/Prescriber's Letter 1998;14(12):141212.

Sheitman BB, Knable MB, Jarskog LF, et al. Secretin for refractory schizophrenia. Schizophr Res. 2004;66(2-3):177-81. View abstract.

Sun L, Laurila S, Lahesmaa M, et al. Secretin modulates appetite via brown adipose tissue-brain axis. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2023;50(6):1597-1606. View abstract.

Tympner F, Rosch W. The treatment of chronic recurrent pancreatitis with depot secretin-a preliminary report. Hepatogastroenterology 1986;33:159-62. View abstract.

Williams K, Wray JA, Wheeler DM. Intravenous secretin for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012;2012(4):CD003495. View abstract.

Xue L, Sun J, Liu J, et al. Maternal secretin ameliorates obesity by promoting white adipose tissue browning in offspring. EMBO Rep 2022;23(7):e54132. View abstract.

Preventing HIV: How PrEP Works

Explore Medicare Advantage & Prescription Drug Coverage

Navigating Life With Migraine

Alternative Treatments for Migraines

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

Conditions

Drugs & Supplements

Well-Being

More

SECRETIN - Uses, Side Effects, and More