The USFDA has approved terlipressin , a vasopressin receptor agonist, as an orphan drug to improve kidney function in adults with hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). Efficacy of terlipressin The efficacy of terlipressin was examined in a double-blind study consisting of 199 participants with HRS and 101 participants receiving a placebo. They were injected with either 0.85 mg of terlipressin or a placebo every six hours for a maximum of 14 days. The doses were adjusted based on changes in kidney function. About 29% of participants taking terlipressin had better kidney function compared to 16 % of participants in the placebo group.
Precautions Patients with lower levels of oxygen in their blood should avoid taking this drug. Patients should be monitored with a pulse oximeter for breathing problems during the treatment. Pregnant women should avoid the drug. Contraindications People with serum…
