A Novel Use of Tenapanor in Patients With Hepatic Encephalopathy: A Case Series
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is often inadequately managed by standard therapies (lactulose and/or rifaximin). This case series presents 5 patients with decompensated cirrhosis and HE who received tenapanor (50 mg once or twice daily) due to inadequate response to standard therapies. Outcomes included bowel movement frequency, HE symptom improvement, and safety. Four patients showed improved bowel frequency, stool consistency, and HE severity. HE recurred in 3 patients after discontinuation. Tenapanor was well-tolerated, with mild, self-resolved dehydration in one case. Patients preferred tenapanor for taste and dosing convenience over lactulose. The findings suggested that tenapanor may alleviate HE with high safety and compliance.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Liver Disease and Transplantation
Gastrointestinal motility and disorders
Clinical Nutrition and Gastroenterology
Publication details
- Journal / source
- ACG Case Reports Journal
- Publisher
- Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
- Volume
- 13
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- e02083–e02083
- Publication date
- 1 April 2026
- Language
- EN