Terlipressin

Fact Checked

Medically reviewed by Kenny Cheuk Yin Cheung, Pharmacist

Last updated on 09/07/2021.

GENERIC NAME: Terlipressin

CHINESE NAME: 特利加壓素

BRAND NAME(S) IN HONG KONG: Glypressin

DRUG CLASS: Antidiuretics, Vasoconstrictors

SUB CLASS: Hormones

USED FOR: Variceal bleeding, Hepatorenal syndrome type 1

AVAILABLE DOSAGE FORMS:
– 1mg/vial (powder for injection)
– 1mg/8.5mL, 1mg/5mL, 2mg/10mL (Injections)

What is Terlipressin for?

Terlipressin is a synthetics analogue of the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin. It works by narrowing the blood vessels to stop bleeding. Therefore, it is used for esophageal varices bleeding and Hepatorenal syndrome type 1 (acute kidney injury).

How to use it?

Terlipressin can be administered via intravenous injection.

For esophageal varices bleeding, the initial dose is 1-2 mg every 4 hours until bleeding has been controlled for at least 24-48 hours. The maintenance dose is 1 mg every 4-6 hours for a total treatment duration of 2-5 days.

For Hepatorenal syndrome type 1, the initial dose (day 1 and 2) is 1 mg every 4-6 hours via intravenous bolus, or 2 mg over 24 hours via continuous infusion. Based on reduced serum creatinine level, the dose may be further increased on day 3 and thereafter to 2 mg every 4-6 hours via intravenous bolus, or 12 mg over 24 hours via continuous infusion.

What are the side effects of Terlipressin?

Common side effects of Terlipressin include vomiting, abdominal pain, sepsis, bronchospasm, or wheezing.

Who should not take Terlipressin?

– People who are allergic to Terlipressin or any component of the formulation
– Pregnant women
– Patients with septic shock with low cardiac output

Pharmacist Tips:

Report any signs of abnormal heartbeat, severe dizziness, severe headache, or change in color of skin to a bluish color like on the lips, fingers, or toes.

Common dosing schedule:
N/A.

Some common medications Terlipressin may interact with:
– Tricyclic antidepressants, e.g. Amitriptyline, Doxepin
– Antibiotics, e.g. Clarithromycin, Erythromycin
– Antiarrhythmics, e.g. Amiodarone, Sotalol

Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.

Where to buy Terlipressin in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, Terlipressin is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.

For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk

Need more information?

For detailed information about the use of Terlipressin in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.

Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.