Tag: Portal hypertension

According to recent guidelines presented at Digestive Disease Week 2025, a paradigm shift is underway in the management of portal hypertension, with a stronger endorsement of carvedilol as a preferred medication. While no single medication has been designated definitively as "what is the new drug for portal hypertension?", research is actively focused on targeted therapies and optimizing existing treatments.

Approximately 60%-80% of individuals with liver cirrhosis develop esophageal varices, a direct consequence of portal hypertension. Understanding what drugs are used to reduce portal hypertension is crucial for managing and preventing life-threatening complications, particularly bleeding.

In the United States, the prevalence of cirrhosis is approximately 2.6%, with clinically significant portal hypertension affecting nearly 1% of the general population [1.9.1]. The cornerstone of medical management for this condition is pharmacotherapy, so a key question is: what is the drug of choice for portal hypertension? [1.2.5, 1.3.1]

According to extensive meta-analysis, non-selective beta-blockers like propranolol can reduce the risk of a first variceal bleeding episode by about 50% in high-risk patients. This remarkable efficacy demonstrates **why propranolol helps with varices** by addressing the underlying cause of high pressure in the portal venous system.

According to the American Liver Foundation, cirrhosis is irreversible, but medications are crucial for managing symptoms and preventing complications. This article explores what medication is used for liver cirrhosis, addressing various aspects of treatment to improve quality of life and slow disease progression.