Question

A 65-year-old man with a history of heavy alcohol use presents with haematemesis and melaena. He is tachycardic and hypotensive. After initial resuscitation with IV fluids and packed red cells, which pharmacological therapy should be commenced urgently if variceal bleeding is suspected?

Accepted Answer

Intravenous octreotide or terlipressin

Answer

Intravenous omeprazole

Answer

Oral propranolol

Answer

Intravenous erythromycin

Answer

Oral tranexamic acid

Practice question

A 65-year-old man with a history of heavy alcohol use presents with haematemesis and melaena. He is tachycardic and hypotensive. After initial resuscitation with IV fluids and packed red cells, which pharmacological therapy should be commenced urgently if variceal bleeding is suspected?