Terlipressin for the Prevention and Treatment of Renal Decline in Hepatorenal Syndrome: A Drug Profile

Abstract

Hepatorenal syndrome stands as one of several potential triggers of acute kidney injury in individuals grappling with either acute or persistent liver ailments. The nature of the decline in kidney function has led to the identification of two variants of hepatorenal syndrome. In cases where terlipressin therapy is accessible, the initial approach involves administering terlipressin alongside albumin. Terlipressin, a synthetic analog of vasopressin, boasts double the preference for vasopressin V1 receptors compared to V2 receptors. The FDA granted approval to terlipressin in September 2022, demonstrating its intrinsic activity, although a significant portion of its function arises from its transformation into lysine vasopressin. This article provides a comprehensive examination of terlipressin’s various pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic facets, as well as its clinical utility, aiming to keep the scientific community well informed about its safe and efficient utilization.