A cholecystokinin analogue used to empty the gallbladder during imaging
Sincalide
An injection used to make the gallbladder contract during imaging tests.
What is Sincalide?
Sincalide is a specialist medicine used during imaging rather than as a treatment. It is a man-made version of cholecystokinin, the natural hormone that tells the gallbladder to squeeze and empty after a meal. Given by injection during a scan, it makes the gallbladder contract so doctors can see how well it is working. The most common effects are short-lived, such as tummy cramps, nausea or an urge to open the bowels. It is used by specialist imaging teams and is for diagnosis, not treatment.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Sincalide — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Sincalide is a man-made version of cholecystokinin, a hormone the body releases after eating to make the gallbladder contract and push out bile to help digestion. As a medicine, it is used as a diagnostic tool. Given by injection during certain scans, it makes the gallbladder squeeze so doctors can measure how well it empties, which helps in assessing gallbladder problems. Because it is used to assist imaging, it is given as part of a supervised procedure by specialist imaging teams rather than taken regularly.
How it works
Normally, after a meal, the hormone cholecystokinin signals the gallbladder to contract and release bile. Sincalide mimics this signal, prompting the gallbladder to contract during a scan. By seeing and measuring how the gallbladder responds, doctors can judge whether it is emptying normally, which is useful in diagnosing certain gallbladder conditions. The effect is short-lived and used only for the imaging, which is why sincalide is part of a diagnostic test rather than an ongoing treatment.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Specialist manufacturer.
A specialist diagnostic medicine used in the UK to make the gallbladder contract during imaging tests.
Practical use
How to take Sincalide
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- It is given by injection by a specialist imaging team during a gallbladder scan, not taken at home.
- Follow any preparation instructions, such as not eating beforehand, that you are given for the test.
- Be aware you may feel tummy cramps, nausea or a need to open your bowels during the test, which usually settles quickly.
- Tell the team about any allergies or previous reactions to sincalide before the test.
- Let the team know if you feel unwell during the procedure.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Sincalide
Advantages
- Makes the gallbladder contract so doctors can see how well it empties during a scan.
- Helps in assessing certain gallbladder problems.
- Effects are usually short-lived and settle quickly after the test.
Disadvantages
- It is a diagnostic tool, not a treatment, so it does not improve a condition itself.
- It is given by injection during an imaging procedure.
- It can cause tummy cramps, nausea or an urgent need to open the bowels during the test.
Practical use
Good to know
The key point is that sincalide is a diagnostic medicine, used to help with imaging of the gallbladder, not a treatment for any condition. It is given by injection during a scan to make the gallbladder contract, and the most common effects are short-lived, such as tummy cramps, nausea, or an urgent need to open the bowels during or shortly after the test. These usually settle quickly. Because it is given as part of a procedure, it is not something you take home. Tell the team about any allergies or previous reactions and follow any preparation instructions, such as fasting, that you are given for the scan, as eating beforehand can affect how the gallbladder responds.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to sincalide should not be given it.
- It is generally avoided where causing the gallbladder to contract could be harmful, such as with a known blockage, guided by the specialist team.
- It is used with care in pregnancy and only as part of a supervised imaging test.
Monitoring
- Watching the gallbladder's response on the scan to measure how well it empties.
- Watching how you feel during and shortly after the injection.
- Checking for any allergic-type reaction during the test.
Side effects
- Tummy cramps or pain during or shortly after the injection.
- Nausea, or an urgent need to open the bowels.
- Flushing, dizziness and, rarely, an allergic-type reaction.
Key interactions
- Some medicines that affect the gut or gallbladder can change how it responds, so tell the team what you take.
- It is used as a one-off part of a test, so routine ongoing interactions are not usually a concern.
- Always tell the team about all your medicines and allergies before the procedure.
Available as: A solution given by injection during a gallbladder imaging test.
Answers
Sincalide: frequently asked questions
What is sincalide used for?
It is used during imaging to make the gallbladder contract so doctors can see how well it empties; it is a diagnostic tool, not a treatment.
Is it a treatment?
No. Sincalide is used for diagnosis, to help with gallbladder imaging, rather than to treat or cure a condition.
How is it given?
It is given by injection by a specialist imaging team during a gallbladder scan, not taken at home.
Will it cause side effects?
Some people feel tummy cramps, nausea or a need to open their bowels during the test; these effects are usually short-lived and settle quickly.
Do I need to prepare for the test?
You may be asked not to eat beforehand, as food can make the gallbladder respond and affect the test; the team will explain what is needed.
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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