Medication for Portal Hypertension

Portal hypertension is a type of high blood pressure that occurs in the portal vein. The portal vein transports blood from the stomach and digestive organs to the liver, where the pressure in the blood flow has its source. There are several medication options for those with portal hypertension.

Propanolol

• The medication Propanolol is a beta blocker, a class of drugs that counters the effects of adrenaline on beta receptors in the heart, nervous system and other areas of the body. Propanolol lowers blood pressure by slowing the heart rate and reducing pressure in the veins of the digestive system.

Nadolol

• Similar to Propanolol, Nadolol is a medication often prescribed for portal hypertension. It works by loosening the muscles around blood vessels.

Nitrates

• Nitrates are typically added to drugs like Propanolol or Nadolol if the veins in the esophagus have begun to bleed as a result of the portal hypertension.

Lactulose

• Some patients with portal hypertension suffer from confusion or distressing mental states as a result. Lactulose is often prescribed to counteract these symptoms.

Considerations

• Though medications can treat portal hypertension, many doctors will want to perform endoscopic therapy, which is an effective blocking-off of the blood vessels so that blood may flow more freely.