Cholecystokinin (Diagnostic)
   
Cholecystokinin (Diagnostic)
Description
Cholecystokinin (ko-le-sis-to-KIN-in) belongs to the group of medicines known as diagnostic aids. Diagnostic aids are used to help diagnose certain medical problems. Cholecystokinin is given by injection before tests are done to see if the gallbladder and pancreas are working the way they should. It is also used to help with other tests of the stomach and intestines.
Cholecystokinin makes the gallbladder contract (squeeze together). It also makes the pancreas produce enzymes, which are some of the juices needed for the digestion of food. In addition, cholecystokinin increases the movements or contractions of the stomach and intestines. The doctor will know if there is anything wrong with these organs if cholecystokinin does not work in the usual way.
The doses of cholecystokinin will be different for different patients and depend on the weight of the patient and on the type of test.
Cholecystokinin is used only under the supervision of a doctor. It is available in the following dosage form:
Parenteral
• For injection (Canada)
Before Having This Test
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 the test using cholecystokinin, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to cholecystokinin preparations. Also tell your doctor if you are allergic to any other substances.
Pregnancy
Cholecystokinin has not been studied in pregnant women. However, because cholecystokinin increases the movements or contractions of some muscles, it may cause premature labor. It is very important that you discuss this with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
It is not known whether cholecystokinin 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 to receive 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 cholecystokinin in children with use in other age groups.
Older adults
This medicine has been tested and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
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.
Other medical problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of cholecystokinin. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Preparation for This Test
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, cholecystokinin may cause some unwanted effects. 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; flushing or redness of skin.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
May 27, 1996 
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