Terlipressin

Other Hormones including Other Endocrine Drugs · Vasopressin analogue

Indications

Bleeding oesophageal varices.

Dosage

Adults: 2 mg IV bolus injection, followed by 1 mg or 2 mg every 4 to 6 hr up to max 72 hr. Children: Not recommended.

Administration

Administered by IV bolus injection. Stability: Frozen dried powder and the diluent may be stored at room temperature, protected from direct sunlight. Reconstituted solution should be used within 12 hours.

Adverse Effects

Abdominal cramps, headache, transient blanching, hypertension, diarrhoea, hypotension, arrhythmias, peripheral vasoconstriction or ischaemia, cardiac ischaemia, skin necrosis, torsade de pointes.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Risk cannot be ruled out. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined. Precautions: Hypertension, hypotension, advanced atherosclerosis, cardiac arrhythmias or coronary insufficiency, recent MI, heart disease, renal impairment, septic shock, respiratory disorders, vascular disease, morbid obesity. Monitor blood pressure, serum electrolyte and fluid balance. Elderly.

Interactions

Beta blockers, antiarrhythmics, propofol, erythromycin, antihistamines, TCADs and other drugs that prolong QT interval.

Pharmacokinetics

Metabolism: Metabolized by tissue peptidases. Half-life elimination: Biphasic: First phase: 8-12 mins. Second phase: 50-80 mins. Time to peak, plasma: 2 hrs. Excretion: Urine.

Unlicensed Use

Children: Adjunct in acute massive haemorrhage of GI tract or oesophageal varices: IV. 12-18 yr, 2 mg every 4 hr until bleeding controlled (after initial dose, may reduce to 1 mg every 4 hr if not tolerated or body-weight under 50 kg), max duration 48 hr.

Brands with this active ingredient

• Novapressin
• Terlip

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.