Glypressin Solution (Terlipressin Acetate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Glypressin Solution Used For?
Glypressin Solution contains terlipressin, which is similar to a natural human hormone called vasopressin. It is used in hospital settings to treat serious complications of liver disease.
Primary Uses
Glypressin treats bleeding esophageal varices (bleeding veins in the lower food pipe) in people with serious liver disease. It is also used to treat hepatorenal syndrome type 1 (HRS-1), a life-threatening condition where the kidneys suddenly stop working in patients with severe liver disease who are being considered for liver transplant.
How It Works
For bleeding esophageal varices, Glypressin works by lowering blood pressure in the veins of the food pipe, which helps stop the bleeding. For hepatorenal syndrome, it improves blood flow to the kidneys by affecting blood vessel constriction throughout the body.
How to Take Glypressin Solution
Glypressin is only given in hospitals by trained medical staff through an injection into your vein. You cannot take this medication at home.
Dosage Instructions
Your doctor will determine the correct amount of Glypressin for you and may adjust the dose based on how you respond to treatment. For bleeding esophageal varices, treatment should not continue for more than 48 hours total. For hepatorenal syndrome type 1, treatment usually lasts 7-10 days (10 days on average).
Important: This medication can only be given by healthcare professionals in a hospital setting. Instructions for proper use are included in the package insert for medical staff.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Difficulty breathing
- Stomach (abdominal) pain or discomfort
- Low blood sodium concentration
- Headache
- Chest pain
- Slow or fast heartbeat
- Constriction of blood vessels
- Pale skin
- Increased blood pressure
- Bluish coloration of skin and lips
- Diarrhea
- Nausea or vomiting
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Allergic reaction (rash, itching, hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue, shortness of breath, wheezing)
- Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
- Heart failure
- Respiratory failure
- Intestinal ischemia (reduced blood flow to intestines)
- Uterine ischemia (decreased blood flow to uterus)
- Sepsis/septic shock
- Skin necrosis and injection site necrosis
- Severe and persistent irregular heart rhythm, including Torsade de Pointes
- Pulmonary edema (excess fluid in lungs)
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Glypressin should not be used or requires special caution.
Who Should Not Take Glypressin Solution
Do not use Glypressin if you are allergic to terlipressin or any ingredients in the medication, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you currently have heart disease or have recently had heart disease.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have heart disease including previous heart attack, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, blood circulation problems including diseases affecting blood vessels in the brain or limbs, obesity, severe asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), kidney problems, or if you are on a controlled sodium diet (this medicine contains 1.33 mmol or 30.7 mg of sodium per ampoule).
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not use Glypressin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It may affect you and your developing baby. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while using Glypressin.
Heart Disease Warning: This medication should not be used if you currently have heart disease or have recently had heart disease due to increased risk of serious cardiovascular complications.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can interact with Glypressin and affect how it works or increase the risk of side effects.
Heart Rhythm Risk: Glypressin may trigger irregular heart beating when taken with certain heart medications and antibiotics. Always tell your healthcare team about all medications you are taking.
- Beta blockers used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions
- Propofol (short-acting anesthetic)
- Sufentanil (powerful opioid painkiller)
- Class 1A anti-arrhythmic medicines (quinidine, procainamide, disopyramide)
- Class III anti-arrhythmic medicines (amiodarone, sotalol, ibutilide, dofetilide)
- Erythromycin antibiotic
- Antihistamines found in allergy and cold remedies
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Diuretics or fluid medicines used for high blood pressure and heart failure
Alcohol & Driving
Since Glypressin is only given in hospital settings under medical supervision, specific alcohol and driving restrictions are not detailed in the prescribing information.
Storage
Glypressin is stored and handled by hospital staff. It comes as a clear and colorless solution in ampoules containing 8.5mL of solution, supplied in boxes containing 5 ampoules.
Overdose Information
Since Glypressin is given by nurses under doctor supervision, overdose is very unlikely. However, if you experience side effects after discharge, immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department. Overdose symptoms may include increased blood pressure, faster heartbeat, headache, pale skin, blue lips and fingernails, stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea.
Frequently Asked Questions
The timeframe for effectiveness varies by condition. For bleeding esophageal varices, treatment should not continue for more than 48 hours total. For hepatorenal syndrome type 1, treatment usually lasts 7-10 days on average.
No, Glypressin can only be given in hospitals by trained medical staff through an injection into your vein. It is not available for home use.
No, do not use Glypressin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It may affect you and your developing baby. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while using this medication.
Tell your doctor about all medical conditions, especially heart disease, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, blood circulation problems, obesity, severe asthma or COPD, kidney problems, and if you’re on a controlled sodium diet. Also inform them of all medications you’re taking.
Serious side effects include allergic reactions, heart attack, heart failure, respiratory failure, severe irregular heart rhythm, and various ischemic conditions. Call your doctor immediately or go to the Emergency Department if you notice any serious side effects.
Your doctor will want to do blood and other tests regularly to check on your progress and detect any unwanted side effects. Be sure to keep all your doctor’s appointments during treatment.
Yes, Glypressin can interact with many medications including beta blockers, certain heart rhythm medications, antibiotics like erythromycin, antihistamines, antidepressants, and diuretics. Always tell your healthcare team about all medications you are taking.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.