Terlipressin
Terlipressin is a synthetic analogue of vasopressin with prodrug properties. It acts as a vasoconstrictor, primarily targeting V1 receptors in vascular smooth muscle. This action leads to splanchnic vasoconstriction, which decreases portal blood flow and portal pressure, making it highly effective in managing acute variceal hemorrhage and improving renal perfusion in hepatorenal syndrome.
Dosage by Body Weight
Terlipressin is administered strictly via intravenous injection by healthcare professionals in a hospital setting. The typical adult dose for esophageal varices is 1 to 2 mg intravenously every 4 to 6 hours until bleeding is controlled. For hepatorenal syndrome, the dosage is 0.5 to 2 mg every 6 hours, adjusted according to patient response.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric patients.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric patients.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric patients.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric patients.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric patients.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not recommended | N/A | Safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric patients. |
| 5-7 kg | Not recommended | N/A | Safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric patients. |
| 8-10 kg | Not recommended | N/A | Safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric patients. |
| 11-15 kg | Not recommended | N/A | Safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric patients. |
| 16-20 kg | Not recommended | N/A | Safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric patients. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used to treat bleeding esophageal varices and hepatorenal syndrome (type 1).
Generic Name
TerlipressinBranded Drug Names
Terlipressin is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.