In the U.S.—

In Canada—

• Cholecystokinetic
• Diagnostic aid, gallbladder function
• Diagnostic aid, pancreatic function

Sincalide ( SIN-ka-lide) belongs to the group of medicines known as diagnostic aids. Diagnostic aids are used to help diagnose certain medical problems. Sincalide is given by injection before tests are done to check if the gallbladder and pancreas are working properly and to help diagnose other problems of these organs.

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

Sincalide is used only under the supervision of a doctor. It is available in the following dosage form:

Parenteral
• Powder for injection (U.S. and Canada)

In deciding to use a diagnostic test, any risks of the test must be weighed against 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 sincalide, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to sincalide. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy—Sincalide has not been studied in pregnant women. Studies in animals have not shown that sincalide causes birth defects or other problems. However, sincalide may cause abortion or premature labor if given to a pregnant woman toward the end of the pregnancy. Be sure you have discussed this with your doctor.

Breast-feeding—It is not known whether sincalide passes into the breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are receiving this diagnostic test and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.

Children—Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of sincalide in children with use in other age groups.

Older adults—Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of sincalide in the elderly with use in other age groups.

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

• Blockage of the intestines or
• Gallbladder stones—Sincalide may make these conditions worse

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

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 health care professional as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• Less common or rare
  • Dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness;  increase in blood pressure;  shortness of breath;  skin rash 
  
  

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects should go away as the effects of the medicine wear off. However, check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

• More common
  • Abdominal or stomach pain, cramps, or discomfort;  nausea 
  
  

• Less common or rare
  • Diarrhea;  dizziness;  flushing or redness of skin;  headache;  increased sweating;  numbness;  sneezing;  urge to have bowel movement ;  vomiting 
  
  

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your health care professional.