Terlipressin
Brand names: Glypressin
Terlipressin is a vasopressin analogue used to control acute variceal bleeding in portal hypertension and to treat hepatorenal syndrome.
ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.
Clinical monograph
How it works
Acting on vascular vasopressin receptors, it causes splanchnic vasoconstriction that reduces portal venous pressure and bleeding, and improves renal perfusion in hepatorenal syndrome.
Prescribing in practice
- Its vasoconstrictor action can cause myocardial, peripheral, and mesenteric ischaemia, so use with caution and avoid in patients with significant ischaemic vascular disease.
- It can cause hyponatraemia and fluid disturbance, so monitor serum sodium during treatment.
- Respiratory and circulatory adverse effects have been reported in hepatorenal syndrome, requiring close clinical observation.
Monitoring
Monitor blood pressure, heart rate, fluid balance, serum sodium, and for signs of ischaemia throughout treatment.
Counselling the patient
- This is a hospital treatment given to control bleeding and support kidney function.
- Tell staff immediately about chest pain, breathlessness, or pain in the limbs or abdomen.
Evidence & guidelines
Terlipressin combined with antibiotic prophylaxis is established practice for acute variceal haemorrhage and type 1 hepatorenal syndrome.
Reference: Baveno VII Consensus 2022; CONFIRM Trial (Wong et al, NEJM 2021); Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.