Treatment of postprandial hypotension with a somatostatin analogue (SMS 201-995).

A somatostatin analogue, compound SMS 201-995, was used to treat postprandial hypotension in a patient with autonomic neuropathy. Prior to treatment, the patient's mean blood pressure decreased 50 to 80 mm Hg after each meal, resulting in frequent loss of consciousness. Subcutaneous administration of low doses of compound SMS 201-995 (12 to 16 micrograms) prevented the postprandial hypotension. The therapeutic benefits of SMS 201-995 dissipated after a few hours, however, which made it necessary to administer the drug with each meal. No adverse effects of this agent were noted over a nine-month treatment period. Compound SMS 201-995 provided safe and effective therapy for postprandial hypotension.