Terlipressin
Introduction To Terlipressin
Terlipressin is used in the treatment of bleeding esophageal varices (bleeding from dilated veins in the food pipe leading to your stomach). It narrows the walls of blood vessels and decreases the blood flow into the affected veins.
Terlipressin is given by a healthcare professional. You should not self- administer this medicine at home. Your doctor will decide the dose and how often you should take them. It is given only to patients with severe or life- threatening bleeding in the food pipe (esophagus).
Using this medicine can cause some common side effects such as headaches, slow heart rate, high blood pressure, peripheral vasoconstriction, and Peripheral ischemia low blood pressure. Let your doctor know if any of these side effects do not go away or get worse.
Before using this medicine, inform your doctor if you have any problems with your heart, liver, or kidneys. You should also tell your doctor all the other medicines you are taking. This medicine is not recommended for children and adolescents.
Uses of Terlipressin
- Bleeding esophageal varices
Benefits of Terlipressin
Bleeding esophageal varices
Esophageal varices develop when normal blood flow to the liver is blocked by a
clot or scar tissue in the liver. Terlipressin helps to reduce blood flow by
narrowing the blood vessels and helps reduce and stop bleeding. It is given as
an injection by a doctor or a nurse and should not be self-administered.
Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get maximum benefit.
Side effects of Terlipressin
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Megtrli
- Headache
- Slow heart rate
- Abdominal cramp
- Diarrhea
- High blood pressure
- Peripheral ischemia
- Vasoconstriction of the extremities
How to use Terlipressin
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
How Terlipressin works
Terlipressin works on the walls of blood vessels, causing them narrow and decrease the blood flow into the affected veins. This helps to stop or slow the bleeding.
Quick tips
- Terlipressin is given as an injection into veins under the supervision of a doctor.
- It makes you feel dizzy or lightheaded. To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
Safety Advice
PregnancyUNSAFE
Can I take Terlipressin if I’m pregnant?
Terlipressin is highly unsafe to use during pregnancy. Seek your doctor's advice as studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby.
BreastfeedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Terlipressin if I’m breastfeeding?
Information regarding the use of Terlipressin during breastfeeding is not available. Please consult your doctor.
AlcoholCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Is drinking alcohol while taking Terlipressin safe?
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Terlipressin. Please consult your doctor.
DrivingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I drive after taking Terlipressin?
It is not known whether Terlipressin alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.
KidneyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Terlipressin if I have/had kidney diseases?
There is limited information available on the use of Terlipressin in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.
LiverCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Terlipressin if I have/had liver diseases?
There is limited information available on the use of Terlipressin in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who should not take Terlipressin?
Terlipressin should not be given to anyone with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to Terlipressin or any of its ingredients.
Q. What should I tell my doctor before starting treatment with Terlipressin?
Before starting treatment with Terlipressin, tell your doctor if you have any other health problems, like kidney or liver-related issues, breathing issues like asthma, heart related ailments like uncontrollable or high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, etc. This is because certain medical conditions may affect your treatment and you may even need dose modifications. Let your doctor know about all the other medicines you are taking because they may affect, or be affected by, this medicine. Inform your doctor if you are planning a baby, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Q. How do you give Terlipressin?
Terlipressin is given by a doctor or nurse into the muscle or under the skin. It should not be self-administered. The dose will depend on the body weight of the patient and will be decided by your doctor. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get maximum benefit from Terlipressin.
Q. Can Terlipressin be used in children?
There is not enough data available for its use in children. For any doubts, consult your doctor.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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