Terlipressin
About
Terlipressin belongs to the class of drugs called vasopressin receptor agonists used for the treatment of bleeding oesophageal varices and the emergency treatment of type 1 hepatorenal syndrome (rapidly progressive kidney failure) in patients with ascites (abdominal swelling due to accumulation of fluid) and liver cirrhosis (scarring of the liver). Bleeding oesophageal varices occur when there is bleeding from dilated veins in the food pipe leading to your stomach.
Terlipressin contains Terlipressin, a synthetic pituitary hormone that breaks down in the body to release a substance called lysine vasopressin that is used to stop bleeding from leaking varicose veins in the food pipe. It works by narrowing the affected blood vessels and restricting the blood flow through them. Thus, it helps to control bleeding.
Terlipressin will be administered by a healthcare professional; do not self-administer. Sometimes, Terlipressin may cause common side effects such as headache, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, high or low blood pressure, too slow heart rate, pale skin, and insufficient blood circulation in arms, legs and skin. Most of these side effects of Terlipressin do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Terlipressin or other medicines, please tell your doctor. Terlipressin is not recommended for children and adolescents as the safety and effectiveness were not established. If you are a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, please inform your doctor before receiving Terlipressin. If you are elderly above 70 years of age, discuss with your doctor before receiving Terlipressin.
Uses of Terlipressin
Medicinal Benefits
Terlipressin contains Terlipressin used for the treatment of bleeding oesophageal varices. It narrows the affected blood vessels and restricts the blood flow through them. Thus, it helps to control bleeding. Also, it is used for the emergency treatment of type 1 hepatorenal syndrome (rapidly progressive kidney failure) in patients with ascites (abdominal swelling due to accumulation of fluid) and liver cirrhosis (scarring of the liver).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Terlipressin
- Headache
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal cramps
- High or low blood pressure
- Too slow heart rate
- Pale skin
- Insufficient blood circulation in arms, legs and skin
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Terlipressin or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Terlipressin is not recommended for children and adolescents as the safety and effectiveness were not established. If you are a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, please inform your doctor before receiving Terlipressin. If you are elderly above 70 years of age, discuss with your doctor before receiving Terlipressin. If you experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint, inform your doctor, as these could be signs of a low heart rate. Your heart and blood circulation will be monitored continuously while on treatment with Terlipressin.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Inform your doctor if you are taking beta-blockers, general anaesthetics (propofol), opioid analgesics (sufentanil), anti-arrhythmic drugs (procainamide, disopyramide, quinidine, sotalol, amiodarone, dofetilide, ibutilide), antibiotic (erythromycin), antihistamines (anti-allergic drugs), tricyclic antidepressants and diuretics (water tablets).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you are suffering from septic shock (a severe infection), bronchial asthma or other conditions that affect your breathing, acute coronary syndrome (a group of diseases in which blood flow to the heart decreases), uncontrolled high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, arteriosclerosis (hardening of arteries), impaired kidney function, insufficient blood circulation in the heart vessels (e.g. angina), disturbances in the level of salt (electrolytes) in the blood, reduced amount of fluid in the circulation or have already lost a large amount of blood or have previously had a heart attack (myocardial infarction) or poor blood circulation to the brain (stroke), or limbs (peripheral vascular disease), inform your doctor before receiving Terlipressin.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorThe interaction of Terlipressin with alcohol is unknown. Therefore, if you have any concerns regarding this, please discuss them with your doctor.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorLimited data available on the effect of Terlipressin on pregnant women. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving Terlipressin. Your doctor may give this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorIt is unknown whether Terlipressin is excreted in breast milk. Hence, if you are a nursing mother, inform your doctor before receiving Terlipressin. Your doctor may give this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
cautionLimited information is available. However, if you are unwell after receiving Terlipressin, avoid driving or operating machinery.
Liver
consult your doctorIf you have any liver problems, inform your doctor before receiving Terlipressin.
Kidney
cautionTerlipressin should be used with caution in patients with long-standing kidney failure. Also, inform your doctor if you have impaired kidney function.
Children
unsafeTerlipressin is not recommended for children and adolescents as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a balanced diet consisting of whole grains, lean protein, low salt, fruits, and vegetables.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Avoid alcohol consumption.
- Lower your risk for hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) by practising safer sex. Avoid sharing razors or needles, and avoid contact with the blood and other bodily fluids of a person who has hepatitis.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bleeding oesophageal varices: These occur when varices (swollen veins) in the lower oesophagus (food pipe) rupture and bleed. When liver blood flow is obstructed, blood builds up in other blood vessels nearby, including those in the lower oesophagus. This causes blood vessels to dilate and swell as a result of the increased blood flow. The swollen veins are known as oesophageal varices which may leak blood and rupture eventually. Often, it does not cause any symptoms until they rupture and bleed. If the bleeding is mild, the symptoms include black, tarry stools, and if the bleeding is severe, the symptoms include stomach pain, blood in your vomit, rectal bleeding, lightheadedness, and bloody stools.
FAQs
Terlipressin contains Terlipressin, a synthetic pituitary hormone that works by narrowing the affected blood vessels and restricting the blood flow through them. Thus, it helps to control bleeding.
You are recommended to consult a doctor before taking quinidine while on treatment with Terlipressin as it may increase the risk or severity of QT prolongation (a heart rhythm disorder). Therefore, please consult a doctor before taking other medicines with Terlipressin.
Terlipressin may cause headaches as a common side effect. However, if the condition persists or worsens, please inform your doctor.
