Sincalide

Also known as: Kinevac, CCK-8

A synthetic cholecystokinin fragment used as a diagnostic agent to contract the gallbladder during imaging. FDA-approved as Kinevac since 1976.

Last updated October 26, 2026

Mechanism of Action

Sincalide is the synthetic C-terminal octapeptide of cholecystokinin (CCK-8). It binds CCK-1 receptors on gallbladder smooth muscle, causing contraction and bile ejection, and relaxes the sphincter of Oddi. It also stimulates pancreatic enzyme secretion and speeds intestinal transit. In hepatobiliary scintigraphy, a timed infusion allows measurement of the gallbladder ejection fraction.

Half-life: A few minutes (IV)
Administration Routes: Intravenous
Research Status: Clinical

Reported Benefits

Approved to stimulate gallbladder contraction for cholecystography or hepatobiliary imaging, or bile sampling
Approved, with secretin, to stimulate pancreatic secretion for analysis
Approved to speed barium transit through the small bowel
Used to measure gallbladder ejection fraction in suspected functional gallbladder disorder

Potential Side Effects

Abdominal cramping or discomfort
Nausea
Urge to defecate or diarrhea
Dizziness and flushing
Hypersensitivity reactions (rare)

Common Dosing

Given by clinicians as a weight-based intravenous infusion during a diagnostic procedure; consensus guidance favors a slow infusion over about 60 minutes for gallbladder ejection fraction studies. Dosing is set and supervised by the prescribing clinician.

The dosing information above is aggregated from research literature and anecdotal community reports for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation, prescription, or medical advice. Peptides are sold as research chemicals only and are not intended for human use.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to sincalide
Intestinal obstruction
Use with caution in pregnancy (can cause preterm labor)

No documented stacking partners for Sincalide yet.

Sincalide-stimulated cholescintigraphy: a multicenter investigation to determine optimal infusion methodology and gallbladder ejection fraction normal values
2010
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Cholecystokinin-cholescintigraphy in adults: consensus recommendations of an interdisciplinary panel
2012
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Sincalide: A Review of Clinical Utility, Proper Infusion Methodology, and Alternative Cholecystogogues
2019
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Yes, as a diagnostic agent. Sincalide was approved by the FDA in 1976 and is marketed as Kinevac; other sincalide products have since been approved. It is used during imaging and diagnostic procedures, not as an ongoing treatment.

A slow infusion gives more consistent gallbladder ejection fraction results and fewer cramps than a rapid injection, which is why consensus guidelines recommend a standardized 60-minute infusion.