Indicated for: variceal bleeding; hepatorenal syndrome
Route of administration: injectable
Substance: terlipressin (somatostatin analogue)
ATC: H01BA04 (Systemic hormonal preparations, excluding sex hormones and insulins | Posterior pituitary lobe hormones | Vasopressin and analogues)
Use during pregnancy only on medical advice.
Terlipressin is a medication primarily used for the treatment of esophageal variceal bleeding and type 1 hepatorenal syndrome, conditions associated with liver cirrhosis. It is a synthetic analog of vasopressin that works by constricting blood vessels, reducing blood flow to abdominal organs, and lowering pressure in the portal venous system.
In esophageal variceal bleeding, terlipressin helps stop the bleeding by reducing pressure in the esophageal varices. In hepatorenal syndrome, it improves kidney function by increasing renal perfusion. The medication is administered intravenously, usually in a hospital setting, under strict medical supervision.
Common side effects include transient high blood pressure, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and pallor. In rare cases, it may cause ischemia in extremities or organs. It is contraindicated in patients with severe cardiovascular diseases, such as heart failure or peripheral arterial disease.