Oxytocin and Vasopressin Analogues
14 compounds in this family, each with its recorded mechanism, routes of administration, safety notes and references to published literature.
- AtosibanAtosiban is a synthetic peptide that blocks oxytocin receptors and is approved as a prescription drug for acute tocolysis—temporarily halting uterine contractions in women with threatened preterm birth. It is administered intravenously in a hospital setting. Research also explores its use for maintenance tocolysis and as an adjunct around embryo transfer in assisted reproduction.
- BarusibanBarusiban is an investigational peptide that selectively blocks the oxytocin receptor. It has been explored as a tocolytic to halt preterm uterine contractions and, more recently, as an adjunct in assisted reproduction to reduce uterine activity around embryo transfer. The compound is administered by injection (intravenous or subcutaneous) and remains under clinical evaluation, with no regulatory approval for any indication.
- CarbetocinCarbetocin is a synthetic oxytocin analogue approved as a prescription uterotonic. It is given by intramuscular or intravenous injection to stimulate uterine contraction and prevent or treat postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). Because it has a longer duration of action than oxytocin, it can replace the need for a continuous infusion after delivery and is listed among first‑line agents for third‑stage labour care.
- Cargutocin
- DemoxytocinDemoxytocin is a synthetic oxytocin analogue that is approved for prescription use to induce or augment labour. It is most commonly given as buccal tablets (resoriblets) but can also be administered intramuscularly, intravenously, nasally, subcutaneously or sublingually. Clinical trials have compared demoxytocin with prostaglandin E2 for induction in overdue pregnancies, unripe cervix, and premature rupture of membranes, showing it can achieve labour in a majority of cases with a generally mild side‑effect profile.
- DesmopressinDesmopressin is a synthetic analogue of the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin. It is prescribed to reduce urine output in children with nocturnal enuresis, to provide a short‑term hemostatic boost in mild hemophilia or von Willebrand disease, and as a pharmacologic stimulus in dynamic testing to differentiate Cushing syndrome subtypes. The drug is approved for clinical use and is available in several formulations for intranasal, oral, subcutaneous, intravenous, and sublingual administration.
- FelypressinFelypressin is a synthetic nonapeptide vasopressin analogue used as a vasoconstrictor in combination with the local anaesthetic prilocaine (often marketed as Citanest with Octapressin). It is prescribed for local infiltration in procedures such as cervical biopsy, loop excision of the cervix, and dental extractions, where it helps reduce procedural pain and limits bleeding.
- LypressinLypressin (8‑lysine vasopressin) is a synthetic nonapeptide analogue of vasopressin that was marketed as a prescription drug but has since been withdrawn. It has been investigated for its antidiuretic action in diabetes insipidus and for raising blood pressure in chronic orthostatic hypotension.
- NacartocinNacartocin is a synthetic analogue of oxytocin, modified to enhance its ability to promote sodium excretion (natriuresis). Pre‑clinical studies in rabbits, rats, and cats have examined its cardiovascular and renal effects, indicating a potent natriuretic action and modest influences on blood pressure. The peptide is investigated primarily as a research tool to understand oxytocin‑related renal physiology.
- OrnipressinOrnipressin (8‑ornithine vasopressin) is a synthetic nonapeptide analogue of vasopressin approved for prescription use. It is employed as a potent vasoconstrictor in settings such as surgical hydrodissection to limit bleeding and as an adjunctive therapy for hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) in cirrhosis, usually together with albumin infusion.
- PL-3994PL-3994 is an investigational cyclic peptide that acts as a selective agonist of the natriuretic peptide receptor‑A (NPR‑A). Pre‑clinical work shows it relaxes airway smooth muscle and reduces bronchoconstriction in animal models, suggesting possible use as a bronchodilator for asthma or other obstructive lung diseases. The compound is not yet approved for any therapeutic indication.
- SelepressinSelepressin is an investigational peptide that selectively activates the vasopressin V1A receptor. It is being studied as a non‑adrenergic vasopressor for patients with vasodilatory shock, particularly septic shock, where it may help raise blood pressure and reduce the need for high‑dose catecholamines such as norepinephrine.
- TerlipressinTerlipressin is a synthetic analogue of vasopressin approved for prescription use as an intravenous or subcutaneous vasoconstrictor. It is primarily employed, together with albumin, to treat type 1 hepatorenal syndrome (HRS‑1) in patients with advanced cirrhosis, aiming to improve kidney function by counteracting the severe splanchnic vasodilation that characterises this condition.
- VasopressinVasopressin is an approved prescription nonapeptide hormone used intravenously, intranasally, or subcutaneously to raise blood pressure in acute shock states. Clinical trials have examined it as an adjunct or alternative to norepinephrine in septic shock and as a first‑line agent for vasoplegic shock after cardiac surgery. Studies report mixed effects on mortality, kidney function, and composite complications, while highlighting a distinct safety profile compared with catecholamine vasopressors.