Vasopressin (Vasostrict, Pitressin; also known as AVP, ADH)
Arginine Vasopressin (AVP); also known as Argipressin, [Arg8]-vasopressin, Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH), 8-Arginine Vasopressin (8-AVP)
Approved status applies to specific products, routes, and indications, not every use context discussed online.
An FDA-approved emergency hospital medication (Vasostrict) used for dangerously low blood pressure and during cardiac arrest. It works by tightening blood vessels and helping the kidneys conserve water. It is also the body's natural hormone for regulating fluid balance. This medication is administered by healthcare professionals in hospital settings.
Safety Summary
Vasopressin's acute safety profile is well characterized from large RCTs. In the VASST trial (n=778), serious adverse event rates were similar between vasopressin and norepinephrine (~10.3% vs 10.5%, PMID 18305265). The primary safety concern is dose-dependent ischemic complications: digital ischemia occurred in approximately 2-3% of patients in RCTs, with meta-analyses showing a pooled RR of 2.65 (95% CI 1.26-5.56) for digital ischemia with vasopressin compared to catecholamines alone (Yao et al., Front Pharmacol 2020). Mesenteric ischemia is a rare but serious risk, with a worldwide pharmacovigilance analysis (PMC9168038) confirming this signal. Hyponatremia results from the V2-mediated antidiuretic effect and requires monitoring of serum sodium and fluid balance. Decreased cardiac output occurs through increased afterload. Tachyarrhythmias are less frequent than with catecholamines (network meta-analysis PMC5606402 shows vasopressin has lower arrhythmia risk than dopamine). Transient diabetes insipidus after discontinuation of prolonged infusion has been reported and is reversible. Drug interactions: additive pressor effects with catecholamines (monitor hemodynamics), indomethacin doubles offset time, ganglionic blocking agents increase pressor response, SIADH-causing drugs (chlorpropamide, cyclophosphamide, SSRIs, thiazides) potentiate effects and increase hyponatremia risk. No significant CYP-mediated interactions (proteolytic clearance). No significant immunogenicity concerns (endogenous peptide); historical reports of anti-vasopressin antibodies are rare and not a contemporary clinical concern (PMID 443972). No abuse potential. No evidence of tolerance or dependence. No carcinogenic or cumulative organ toxicity signals in long-term pharmacovigilance. Pregnancy: increased clearance due to placental vasopressinase; uterine contraction risk. Pediatric: safety/efficacy not established in FDA labeling. meta-analysis, Drugs.com interaction checker.
Clinical check-in
If real-world use or exposure is being considered, review potential interactions, contraindications, and monitoring needs with a licensed clinician rather than relying on summary copy alone.
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