Step 1: Understand the pathophysiology. Variceal bleeding (esophageal/gastric varices) is driven by portal hypertension, so medical control depends on lowering portal and splanchnic blood flow.
Step 2: Identify the right drug class. Splanchnic vasoconstrictors reduce portal inflow and pressure. Octreotide, a somatostatin analogue, causes splanchnic vasoconstriction and is the standard pharmacological agent used to control acute variceal hemorrhage.
Step 3: Eliminate the other options. Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor used for peptic ulcer and acid-related bleeding, not portal hypertension. Desmopressin is used in von Willebrand disease and mild hemophilia, not varices. Somatotropin (growth hormone) has no role in variceal bleed.
Step 4: Conclusion. Octreotide is the correct medical treatment for variceal bleeding.