Sincalide
From PeptidePlaza, the free peptide reference · Entry #1016 · Metabolic · Sources fetched 2026-09-10 · Editorial standards
Sincalide (also known as Kinevac, Sincalida, Sincalidum, Syncalide) is a metabolic research peptide. Sincalide, also known as Kinevac, is an FDA-approved cholecystokinin A receptor agonist used in diagnostic imaging and to stimulate pancreatic secretion.
Sincalide is a cholecystokinin (CCK) analog and a cholecystokinin A receptor agonist. It is FDA-approved for use in adults to stimulate gallbladder contraction for diagnostic imaging or bile sample collection, to stimulate pancreatic secretion in combination with secretin, and to accelerate barium meal transit through the small bowel during X-ray examinations. Approved in 1976, sincalide is marketed as Kinevac and is administered intravenously. Research on sincalide often focuses on its clinical utility, proper infusion methodology, and its role in cholescintigraphy.
1 Mechanism of action
Cholecystokinin A receptor agonist (agonist)
Primary targets: Cholecystokinin A receptor
2 Reported effects
Effects below are those reported in the published literature cited on this page. They are not claims of clinical benefit and not medical advice.
2.1 Indicated / studied for
- Stimulate gallbladder contraction for diagnostic imaging
- Obtain concentrated bile for analysis
- Stimulate pancreatic secretion in combination with secretin
- Accelerate transit of a barium meal through the small bowel
2.2 Side effects
- Abdominal discomfort or pain
- Nausea
- Anaphylaxis
- Anaphylactic shock
- Evacuation of gallstones
- Preterm labor or spontaneous abortion
3 Chemical and physical properties
| CAS number | 25126-32-3 |
|---|---|
| Molar mass | 1143.3 g/mol |
| Purity (typical) | Not independently verified |
| Brand names | KINEVAC |
| Route | INTRAVENOUS |
| Storage | −20 °C, lyophilised powder, desiccated |
| Solubility | Sterile water / bacteriostatic water |
| Receptors / targets | Cholecystokinin A receptor |
3.1 Amino acid sequence
Asp-Tyr(SO3H)-Met-Gly-Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH2
4 Research dosages
0.02 mcg/kg as a single dose over 30 to 60 seconds via intravenous injection. If satisfactory contraction does not occur in 15 minutes, administer a dose of 0.04 mcg/kg over 30 to 60 seconds.
5 Research studies (8)
- Sincalide
(2006) · Review - Hyaluronan network remodeling by ZEB1 and ITIH2 enhances the motility and invasiveness of cancer cells
The Journal of clinical investigation (2025) - Sincalide: A Review of Clinical Utility, Proper Infusion Methodology, and Alternative Cholecystogogues
Journal of nuclear medicine technology (2019) · Review - Sincalide in patients with parenteral nutrition-associated gallbladder disease
The Annals of pharmacotherapy (2004) · Review - Consensus report on standardization of sincalide cholescintigraphy
Journal of nuclear medicine : official publication, Society of Nuclear Medicine (2011) - Hepatobiliary imaging
Emergency medicine clinics of North America (1991) · Review - Hepatobiliary scintigraphy in 2014
Journal of nuclear medicine : official publication, Society of Nuclear Medicine (2014) · Review - Sincalide: a cholecystokinin agonist as an aid in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography--a prospective assessment
Journal of clinical gastroenterology (1997)
6 Safety and risk profile
6.1 Regulatory status
Sincalide is currently classified as FDA approved. Approval applies to specific clinical indications and dosing; research-grade material is not the approved product.
6.2 Contraindications
Conditions and populations in which use is contraindicated:
- History of hypersensitivity to sulfites or sincalide
- Intestinal obstruction
6.3 Drug interactions
| Drug or class | Interaction | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Drugs that affect gallbladder motility or contractile response | May interfere with response to sincalide; consider discontinuing prior to administration | Moderate |
6.4 Long-term risks
- Anaphylaxis, Anaphylactic Shock and Other Serious Hypersensitivity Reactions
- Evacuation of Gallstones
- Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions with Intravenous Injection
- Preterm Labor or Spontaneous Abortion
6.5 Research best practices
- Store at 25° C (77° F)
- excursions permitted to 15-30° C (59-86° F)
7 Frequently asked questions
- What is sincalide used for?
- Sincalide is used in adults for diagnostic purposes. It helps stimulate gallbladder contraction for imaging or bile collection, stimulates pancreatic secretion when combined with secretin, and speeds up the movement of a barium meal through the small intestine during X-ray examinations.
- How does sincalide work?
- Sincalide functions as a cholecystokinin A receptor agonist. This means it mimics the natural hormone cholecystokinin, binding to and activating its receptors to stimulate processes like gallbladder contraction and pancreatic secretion.
- Is sincalide FDA approved?
- Yes, sincalide, marketed as Kinevac, is FDA approved. It received its initial approval in 1976 and is used for various diagnostic applications related to the gallbladder and pancreas.
- What are the side effects of sincalide?
- Common side effects of sincalide include abdominal discomfort or pain and nausea. More serious adverse reactions can include anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock, evacuation of gallstones, and, in pregnant women, preterm labor or spontaneous abortion.
- What are the contraindications for sincalide?
- Sincalide is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to sulfites or sincalide itself. It is also contraindicated in individuals who have an intestinal obstruction.
8 References
- Sincalide — compound summary PubChem. View source
- Sincalide — molecule record ChEMBL. View source
- Sincalide — FDA approved prescribing information U.S. Food and Drug Administration. View source
- Sincalide — published literature (105 records) PubMed. View source
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