Various modalities of treatment have been used over the years for treating varices. Previously, vasopressin and terlipressin, which directly constrict the mesenteric arterioles and reduce the portal venous flow, were used in medical management, but they are falling out of favor somewhat due to their ischemic effects on heart, brain, bowel, and limbs. Today, more commonly used drugs in the medical management of variceal bleeds include somatostatin and octreotide. These drugs inhibit the release of vasodilator hormones such as glucagon and indirectly cause splanchnic vasoconstriction. Octreotide is a long-acting synthetic analogue of somatostatin. An intravenous injection of 50-μg bolus followed by continuous infusion of 50 μg/h has been shown to cause significant decrease in the portal pressure. The effect of a single dose of octreotide on reducing portal pressure is effective but short-lived (t_1/2 is 3 h in patients with liver disease).