Vasopressin
Also known as: ADH, Antidiuretic Hormone, Arginine Vasopressin, AVP, Pitressin, Vasostrict
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Summary
Vasopressin (arginine vasopressin, AVP) is a nine‑amino‑acid peptide used intravenously or intranasally to treat central diabetes insipidus, control bleeding from esophageal varices, and support blood pressure in septic shock.
Mechanism of Action
Agonist at V1a, V1b, and V2 vasopressin receptors; V2 activation promotes renal water reabsorption via aquaporin‑2 insertion, V1a causes vasoconstriction and platelet aggregation.
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Esophageal variceal bleedingGastroenterologyHigh
- Cardiac arrest resuscitationEmergency MedicineModerate
- Diabetes insipidusEndocrineHigh
- Control of esophageal variceal bleedingGastroenterologyModerate
- Treatment of distributive/vasodilatory shockHemodynamic SupportHigh
- Management of central diabetes insipidusEndocrinologyHigh
- Septic ShockCritical CareModerate
- Postoperative hypotension (vasoplegic syndrome)Perioperative CareModerate
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to vasopressin or excipientsAllergy/ImmunologyHigh
- Severe coronary artery disease (relative)CardiovascularModerate
- Severe coronary artery diseaseCardiovascularHigh
- Hypersensitivity to vasopressinImmunologicHigh
- Chronic nephritis with nitrogen retentionRenalHigh
- HyponatremiaElectrolyte/MetabolicModerate
- Uncontrolled hypertensionCardiovascularModerate
Adverse Effects
- Headache / pallor / sweatingNeurological/SystemicCommon
- HypertensionCardiovascularCommonHigh blood pressure
- Hyponatremia / water intoxicationMetabolicCommon
- HeadacheNeurologicCommonPain in the head or upper neck
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal crampingGastrointestinalCommon
- Cardiac ischemiaCardiovascularUncommon
- Myocardial ischemia / anginaCardiovascularUncommon
- Peripheral ischemia / digital necrosisVascularUncommon
Drug Interactions
- Indomethacin / NSAIDsModerate
- Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., clomipramine)Moderate
- Thiazide diureticsModerate
- LithiumModerate
- Vasodilators (e.g., nitroglycerin)Low
- Catecholamines (norepinephrine, epinephrine)Moderate
Population Constraints
- PregnancyReproductive SafetyRelative
- Patients with heart failureCardiovascularRelative
- Pediatric patientsAgeRelative
- ElderlyAgeRelative
- Pediatric (neonates)AgeRelative
- Elderly patientsAgeRelative
Regulatory Status
- European UnionApprovedApproved: central diabetes insipidus, esophageal variceal bleeding, vasodilatory shock
- United StatesApprovedApproved: central diabetes insipidus, esophageal variceal bleeding, vasodilatory shock
- United KingdomApprovedApproved: central diabetes insipidus, esophageal variceal bleeding, vasodilatory shock
Approved in the US, EU and UK for diabetes insipidus, variceal bleeding, and vasodilatory shock; administered as injection or nasal spray.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vasopressin?
Vasopressin (arginine vasopressin, AVP) is a nine‑amino‑acid peptide used intravenously or intranasally to treat central diabetes insipidus, control bleeding from esophageal varices, and support blood pressure in septic shock.
What is Vasopressin used for?
Vasopressin is educationally associated with: Esophageal variceal bleeding, Cardiac arrest resuscitation, Diabetes insipidus, Control of esophageal variceal bleeding, Treatment of distributive/vasodilatory shock, Management of central diabetes insipidus, Septic Shock, Postoperative hypotension (vasoplegic syndrome). Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Vasopressin administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Intranasal, Intravenous, Subcutaneous.
What are the potential side effects of Vasopressin?
Reported adverse effects include: Headache / pallor / sweating, Hypertension, Hyponatremia / water intoxication, Headache, Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, Cardiac ischemia, Myocardial ischemia / angina, Peripheral ischemia / digital necrosis. This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Vasopressin?
Recorded contraindications: Known hypersensitivity to vasopressin or excipients, Severe coronary artery disease (relative), Severe coronary artery disease, Hypersensitivity to vasopressin, Chronic nephritis with nitrogen retention, Hyponatremia, Uncontrolled hypertension. Consult a qualified clinician before use.