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terlipressin (vasoconstrictor)
Terlipressin is a vasopressin analog that selectively activates V1 receptors on vascular smooth muscle to cause vasoconstriction and reduce portal pressure.
Terlipressin is a vasopressin analog that selectively activates V1 receptors on vascular smooth muscle to cause vasoconstriction and reduce portal pressure. Used for Acute variceal bleeding in patients with portal hypertension, Prevention of rebleeding from esophageal varices, Hepatorenal syndrome.
At a glance
| Generic name | terlipressin (vasoconstrictor) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | vasoconstrictor |
| Sponsor | National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan |
| Drug class | Vasopressin analog |
| Target | Vasopressin V1 receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Gastroenterology / Hepatology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Terlipressin binds to vasopressin V1 receptors on blood vessels, triggering vasoconstriction that reduces splanchnic blood flow and portal venous pressure. This mechanism is particularly useful in portal hypertension-related conditions where elevated portal pressure drives complications such as variceal bleeding. The drug has greater V1 selectivity and longer duration of action compared to native vasopressin.
Approved indications
- Acute variceal bleeding in patients with portal hypertension
- Prevention of rebleeding from esophageal varices
- Hepatorenal syndrome
Common side effects
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Hypertension
- Ischemic complications (rare)
Key clinical trials
- Double Plasma Separation and Adsorption in Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure (DPMAS-ACLF Trial) (NA)
- Comparison of Terlipressin Versus Octreotide in Patients With Hepatorenal Syndrome (NA)
- Single and Multiple Dose Escalation of PHIN-214 in Child-Pugh A and B Liver Cirrhotics (PHASE1)
- Safety and Efficacy of Continuous Infusion of Terlipressin With Norepinephrine Versus Norepinephrine Alone in Improving Outcomes of Acute Kidney Injury in Acute on Chronic Liver Failure With Septic Shock (NA)
- Efficacy and Safety of Vasopressin Versus Terlipressin as a Second Vasopressor in Critically Ill Cirrhotics With Septic Shock- the VITEL-C Trial (NA)
- Terlipressin for Refractory Septic Shock (PHASE2)
- What Should be the Next Vasopressor for Severe Septic Shock? Methylene Blue or Terlipressin (PHASE3)
- To Assess the Efficacy of Early Introduction of a Combination of Low Dose Vasopressin Analogue in Addition to Noradrenaline as a Vasopressor in Patients of Cirrhosis With Septic Shock (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
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