Pentagastrin: Side Effects, Uses & Monitoring
Anacidity (diagnosis) —Pentagastrin is indicated as a diagnostic aid for evaluation of gastric acid secretory function.
- Data source
- FDA labeling via NIH DailyMed (label abc92ef1…)
- Label version
- current
- Last reviewed
- 2026
Reported adverse reactions
Reactions listed in current FDA labeling, with the highest frequency reported across summarized placebo-controlled trials.
No structured frequency data available in current labeling. Consult the official label.
Labeled uses (from FDA prescribing information)
Anacidity (diagnosis) —Pentagastrin is indicated as a diagnostic aid for evaluation of gastric acid secretory function. It is effective in testing for anacidity (achlorhydria) in patients with suspected pernicious anemia, atrophic gastritis, or gastric carcinoma. It is also effective in determining the reduction in acid output after operations for peptic ulcer, such as vagotomy or gastric resection. Hypersecretory conditions, gastric (diagnosis) —Pentagastrin is indicated as a diagnostic aid in testing for gastric hypersecretion in patients with suspected duodenal ulcer or postoperative stomal ulcer, and for the diagnosis of Zollinger-Ellison tumor
Conditions associated with Pentagastrin in labeling
Anemia
A condition in which the blood has a lower than normal number of red blood cells or hemoglobin, reducing oxyge...
Gastritis
Inflammation of the stomach lining that can cause pain, nausea, and bloating. May be acute or chronic....
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Open sores on the stomach or duodenum lining, often caused by H. pylori infection or NSAID use, causing burnin...
Stomach Cancer
Cancer of the stomach lining, which can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and unintended weight loss....
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Insufficient vitamin B12 can cause anemia and neurological symptoms including numbness, tingling, balance prob...
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pentagastrin used for?
FDA labeling lists the approved uses shown above under "Labeled uses." This summary is informational; only a qualified prescriber can determine whether a medication is appropriate for you.
What are the most commonly reported side effects of Pentagastrin?
Current labeling for this ingredient does not include a structured frequency table that we can reproduce. Review the official label linked below.
Does Pentagastrin require lab monitoring?
Monitoring needs vary. Ask your healthcare provider whether any lab tests apply while taking Pentagastrin.
Where does this information come from?
All clinical facts on this page were extracted from the current FDA-registered product labeling for this ingredient, published by manufacturers through NIH DailyMed. See the source link below.
Medical disclaimer: Educational content extracted from public FDA labeling. Not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.