Products
Terlipressin is commercially available as an injectable (glypressin, haemopressin). It has been approved in many countries since 1982.
Structure and properties
Terlipressin (triglycyl lysine vasopressin) is a synthetic analog of vasopressin, the antidiuretic hormone (ADH). It differs from ADH in four amino acids: Terlipressin: Gly-Gly-Gly-Cys-Tyr-Phe-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Lys-Gly ADH: Cys-Tyr-Phe-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Arg-Gly.
Effects
Terlipressin (ATC H01BA04) has vasoconstrictor properties, contracts digestive tract smooth muscle cells, and promotes peristalsis. It is only mildly antidiuretic.
Indications
For acute treatment of bleeding esophageal varices (varicose veins of the esophagus).
Dosage
According to the SmPC. The drug is administered parenterally.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Coronary insufficiency
- Pregnancy
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Interactions
Drug-drug interactions are possible with nonselective beta-blockers and drugs that cause bradycardia (eg, propofol, sufentanil).
Adverse effects
The most common possible adverse effects include pale skin of the face and body, hypertension, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and headache.
