Sincalide is a prescription medicine (Cholecystokinin Analog). The sections below reproduce one FDA label for it, named under "Label". Products in other forms, strengths or from other makers have their own labels, which can differ.
- Type
- Prescription only (Rx)
- Brand names
- Kinevac
- Drug class
- Cholecystokinin Analog
- Taken
- Intravenous
- Label
- FOSUN PHARMA USA INC, revised May 14, 2024 · full label on DailyMed
- Generic
- No · details
What it is used for
Sincalide for Injection is indicated in adults to: stimulate gallbladder contraction, as may be assessed by various methods of diagnostic imaging, or to obtain by duodenal aspiration a sample of concentrated bile for analysis of cholesterol, bile salts, phospholipids, and crystals; stimulate pancreatic secretion in combination with secretin prior to obtaining a duodenal aspirate for analysis of enzyme activity, composition, and cytology; accelerate the transit of a barium meal through the small bowel, thereby decreasing the time and extent of radiation associated with fluoroscopy and x-ray examination of the intestinal tract. Sincalide for Injection is a cholecystokinin (CCK) analog indicated in adults to: stimulate gallbladder contraction, as may be assessed by various methods of diagnostic imaging, or to obtain by duodenal aspiration a sample of concentrated bile for analysis of cholesterol, bile salts, phospholipids, and crystals. ( 1 ) stimulate pancreatic secretion in combination with secretin prior to obtaining a duodenal aspirate for analysis of enzyme activity, composition, and cytology. ( 1 ) accelerate the transit of a barium meal through the small bowel, thereby decreasing the time and extent of radiation associated with fluoroscopy and x-ray examination of the intestinal tract. ( 1 )
Forms and strengths
For injection: 5 mcg of sincalide as a lyophilized white to off-white cake or powder for reconstitution in a single-dose vial. For injection: 5 mcg of sincalide as a lyophilized cake or powder in a single-dose vial for reconstitution ( 3 )
Who should not take it (contraindications)
Sincalide for Injection is contraindicated in patients with: a history of a hypersensitivity reaction to sulfites or sincalide. Serious hypersensitivity reactions have included anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Adverse Reactions (6)]. intestinal obstruction. History of hypersensitivity to sulfites or sincalide. ( 4 , 5.1 ) Intestinal obstruction. ( 4 )
Warnings and precautions
Anaphylaxis, Anaphylactic Shock and Other Serious Hypersensitivity Reactions : Contains sodium metabisulfite. Serious reactions may occur during or soon after administration. If symptoms occur, discontinue the drug. ( 4 , 5.1 ) Evacuation of Gallstones : Stimulation of gallbladder contraction in patients with small gallbladder stones could lead to the evacuation of the stones from the gallbladder, resulting in their lodging in the cystic duct or in the common bile duct. ( 5.2 ) Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions with Intravenous Injection : Administration as an intravenous injection may cause transient nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or cramping, dizziness or flushing. To reduce the risk of adverse reactions when used to simulate contraction of the gallbladder or accelerate transit of a barium meal through the small intestine, administer as an intravenous infusion over 50 or 30 minutes, respectively. ( 2.1 , 5.3 ) Preterm Labor or Spontaneous Abortion : Advise pregnant women of the potential risk for preterm labor and spontaneous abortion. ( 5.4 , 8.1 )
5.1 Anaphylaxis, Anaphylactic Shock and Other Serious Hypersensitivity Reactions Contains sodium metabisulfite [see Description (11)] , a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible people. The overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown and probably low. Sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic than in nonasthmatic people. In postmarketing experience, anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock and other serious hypersensitivity reactions have been reported during and within one hour following administration of sincalide [see Adverse Reactions (6)]. Sincalide for Injection is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to sulfites. Due to the potential for anaphylaxis, appropriate medical support should be readily available when Sincalide for Injection is administered. If anaphylaxis or other hypersensitivity reactions occur, immediately discontinue the infusion and initiate appropriate medical treatment. Observe patients closely during and after the infusion. Do not reinitiate Sincalide for Injection in patients who have experienced symptoms of hypersensitivity [see Contraindications (4)].
5.2 Evacuation of Gallstones Stimulation of gallbladder contraction in patients with small gallbladder stones could lead to the evacuation of the stones from the gallbladder, resulting in their lodging in the cystic duct or in the common bile duct.
5.3 Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions with Intravenous Injection Administration of Sincalide for Injection as an intravenous injection may cause adverse reactions such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or cramping, dizziness, and flushing [see Adverse Reactions (6)] . These reactions are generally transient. To reduce the risk of adverse reactions with intravenous injection when used to simulate contraction of the gallbladder or accelerate transit of a barium meal through the small intestine, administer Sincalide for Injection as an intravenous infusion over 50 or 30 minutes, respectively [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].
5.4 Preterm Labor or Spontaneous Abortion Based on limited human data and mechanism of action, advise pregnant patients that Sincalide for Injection may cause preterm labor or spontaneous abortion [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
Side effects (adverse reactions)
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in labeling: Anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock, and other serious hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Evacuation of gallstones [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Adverse reactions with intravenous injection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Preterm labor or spontaneous abortion [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] The following adverse reactions associated with the use of sincalide were identified in clinical trials or postmarketing reports. Because these reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to estimate their frequency, reliably, or to establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. The most frequent adverse reactions (20% or greater) are gastrointestinal: abdominal discomfort or pain, and nausea; these may not necessarily indicate an abnormality of the biliary tract unless there is other clinical or radiologic evidence of disease. Less common adverse reactions include: Hypersensitivity reactions: anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock, hypotension, throat tightness, bradycardia, shortness of breath, nausea, abdominal cramping, diaphoresis, hives, rash, itching; and numbness of face, lips and eyes [see Contraindications (4)]. Neurological reactions: seizures, headache. Vasovagal reactions: dizziness, loss of consciousness, nausea, diaphoresis, syncope and hypotension (generally self-limiting). Other: nausea, vomiting, flushing, hypertension, urge to defecate, diarrhea, sneezing. Most common adverse reactions (≥20%) are: abdominal discomfort or pain, and nausea. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Fosun Pharma USA Inc. at 1-866-611-3762 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Drug interactions
Drugs that Affect Gallbladder Motility or Contractile Response : May interfere with response to sincalide. Consider discontinuing these drugs prior to administration of Sincalide for Injection, when used to stimulate contraction of the gallbladder. ( 7.1 )
7.1 Drugs that Affect Gallbladder Motility or Contractile Response Drugs that may stimulate or inhibit gallbladder motility or contractile response, may interfere with the response to sincalide. Consider discontinuing these drugs prior to administration of Sincalide for Injection, when used to simulate contraction of the gallbladder.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children and older adults
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on limited human data and mechanism of action, Sincalide for Injection may cause preterm labor or spontaneous abortion [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]. Limited available data with Sincalide for Injection are insufficient to inform a drug-associated risk of adverse developmental outcomes. In animal embryo-fetal development studies in which sincalide was administered to hamsters and rats during the period of organogenesis, no effects were seen at doses comparable to the maximum recommended clinical dose on a mg/kg basis. However, in a prenatal development study in which rats were administered sincalide during organogenesis through parturition, decreased weight gain and developmental delays were observed at a dose 122 times higher than the maximum recommended human dose based on body surface area. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data There were no effects on embryo-fetal development in hamsters when sincalide was administered subcutaneously at 250 or 750 ng/kg during organogenesis (Gestation Days 7 to 13) at doses up to 0.8 times the maximum recommended dose of 120 ng/kg on a body surface area basis. No effects on embryo-fetal development were observed in Sprague-Dawley rats at subcutaneous doses of 250, 450, or 750 ng/kg from Gestation Days 6 to16, representing 1.0 time the maximum recommended human dose on a body surface area basis. In a separate study at a higher dose of 90 mcg/kg administered subcutaneously to CFY rats from Gestation Day 10 through parturition (representing 122 times the maximum recommended human dose on a body surface area basis), offspring showed decreased growth, behavioral changes, and developmental delays.
8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data regarding the presence of sincalide in human or animal milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for Sincalide for Injection and any potential adverse effect on the breastfed infant from Sincalide for Injection or from the underlying condition.
8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Animal Data Direct injection of sincalide in neonatal rats reduced milk consumption with the youngest rats exhibiting the greatest sensitivity to this effect. Although safety margins relative to maternal doses cannot be calculated since rat pups were injected directly, the safety margin in the youngest rat pups was less than 0.1 on a body surface area bases compared to the maximum adult clinical dose. At higher doses administered subcutaneously in neonatal rats, transient behavioral changes and small effects on physical developmental milestones such as ear opening, eye opening, and incisor appearance were observed (at doses 10 to 200-fold higher than the maximum recommended human dose on a body surface area basis).
8.5 Geriatric Use Clinical studies of sincalide did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.
How it works
When injected intravenously, Sincalide stimulates gallbladder contraction and reduction in size. The evacuation of bile that results is similar to that which occurs physiologically in response to endogenous cholecystokinin. Sincalide also stimulates pancreatic secretion and intestinal motility causing pyloric contraction and slows gastric emptying. Concurrent administration of sincalide with secretin increases both the volume of pancreatic secretion and the output of bicarbonate and enzymes. This combined effect of secretin and sincalide permits the assessment of specific pancreatic function through measurement and analysis of the duodenal aspirate.
Is there a generic Sincalide?
No. The FDA has not approved a generic version yet.
Brand-name versions
- Kinevac Bracco, approved 1976
Source: Drugs@FDA (via openFDA), checked October 29, 2026. Marketing status is what companies report to the FDA; whether a pharmacy stocks a product, and what your insurance covers, can differ.
Dosage:
we do not reproduce dosing instructions. The right dose depends on the person and the condition and is set by the prescriber or pharmacist. Dosage section of the full label.
Sincalide in the news
We have not covered this medicine yet. Latest news
Recalls
No recalls matched to this medicine in FDA enforcement reports from the last 3 years (or older ones still open). Search all recalls
Get alerts for Sincalide
We will email you if the FDA reports a recall, if its shortage status changes, or when we publish news about it — at most one email a day. No account needed.
Source: FDA structured product labeling, retrieved through openFDA. Label text is shown as published by the FDA, without editing; long sections are shortened, marked […]. openFDA data are not validated for clinical use — always check the current label and ask a doctor or pharmacist about your own treatment. Set ID efbc189e-f5f8-0ac7-e053-2995a90a68a9.