Skip to content
ClinCalc Pro
Menu
Calculators Drugs Pathways AI Dx Donate Get the App
Vasopressin Analogue

Terlipressin (Vascular)

Brand names: Glypressin, Variquel

This is terlipressin used in its vascular/vasopressor role — an intravenous vasopressin analogue employed to raise blood pressure in distributive (for example septic or vasodilatory) shock and to reduce portal pressure in variceal bleeding.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

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

As a prodrug for lysine-vasopressin, it stimulates vascular V1 receptors to cause systemic and splanchnic vasoconstriction, increasing systemic vascular resistance and arterial pressure while lowering portal flow.

Prescribing in practice

  • Profound vasoconstriction can cause myocardial, peripheral, mesenteric and digital ischaemia, so avoid in significant ischaemic heart or peripheral vascular disease and monitor closely for ischaemic complications when used as a pressor.
  • It can provoke hyponatraemia and has been associated with worse respiratory outcomes in septic shock, so use cautiously in respiratory compromise and check sodium.
  • Use with caution in the elderly, in uncontrolled hypertension and in pregnancy because of reduced uterine perfusion.

Monitoring

Monitor blood pressure, cardiac rhythm, peripheral and digital perfusion, fluid balance and serum sodium throughout treatment.

Counselling the patient

  • Explain this is a blood-pressure-supporting medicine given in critical care by infusion.
  • Report chest pain or cold, painful or discoloured fingers and toes.

Evidence & guidelines

Its vasopressor and portal-pressure-lowering effects are supported by critical care and hepatology trial evidence and reflected in the SPC.

Reference: CONFIRM trial; BSG variceal haemorrhage guidelines; 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.

Calculators
Drugs
Pathways