vasopressin

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Vasopressin also known as ADH that regulates the body water balance by increasing kidney water reabsorption, constriction of blood vessels, stimulation of smooth muscle contraction, insulin release, and oxytocin release. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency Not Defined: 

• Allergic reactions 
• Angina 
• Abdominal cramps 
• Diarrhea 
• Bronchial constriction 
• Nausea 
• Circumoral pallor 
• Sweating 
• Head pounding 
• Tremor 
• Vertigo 
• Uterine contraction 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

It is essential to follow the dosage and   administration instructions for the medication carefully. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Vasopressin is contraindicated in individuals with hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and electrolyte imbalances as it constricts the blood vessels and increase blood pressure leading to risk of stroke. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: 

No proper and well-controlled   studies on the drug dose are performed on pregnant females. 

Breastfeeding warnings: 

It is unknown if the drug is excreted   in breast milk. 

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: well-controlled   and Satisfactory studies do not show risk to the fetus in the first/later   trimester. 
• Category B: there was no   evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough   studies on pregnant women. 
• Category C: there was   evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no   adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in   pregnant women. 
• Category D: adequate   data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various   platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases   for potential benefits. 
• Category X: Drugs listed   in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of   drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 
• Category N: No data is available   for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology 

Vasopressin is a nonapeptide hormone that regulates physiological processes like autonomic signaling, stress response, behavior, and memory. It influences renal fluid volume, blood pressure, and stimulates the AVPR1a receptor by increasing systemic vascular resistance. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

Vasopressin regulates bodily fluid tonicity by releasing from pituitary gland when hypertonic conditions occur and it is reclaiming solute-free water from the kidneys for normal circulation. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Pharmacokinetics studies how a drug is   absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated by the body. The following   parameters can describe the pharmacokinetics of vasopressin. 

Absorption 

When vasopressin is administered   intravenously (IV), it is rapidly distributed throughout the body. It reaches   peak plasma levels within minutes. It is directly injected into the   bloodstream, so there is no absorption process. 

When vasopressin is administered   subcutaneously or intramuscularly, it is absorbed slowly. It reaches the peak   plasma levels within 1-2 hours. The absorption rate in the subcutaneous and   intramuscular administration routes is slower than in the previous routes. 

Distribution 

When vasopressin is administered   intravenously, it is rapidly distributed throughout the body. It reaches peak   plasma levels within minutes. It is directly injected into the bloodstream to   immediately reach all the organs and tissues. 

Metabolism 

vasopressin is metabolized in the   liver & kidney. It is then rapidly removed from the plasma. 

Elimination and excretion 

The half-life of vasopressin is 10-20   minutes 

It is excreted as 5-10% in urine. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

The medication is administered as an intravenous   solution. verapamil can be used as an additive. 

The solution should be clear and colorless. 

Store the premixed bottles or unopened vials   under refrigeration. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: vasopressin 

Pronounced: va-soh-preh-sn 

Why do we   use vasopressin? 

Vasopressin is used to treat diabetes insipidus and manage stomach conditions after post-surgery or during the examination of abdominal x-rays. It enhances water reabsorption from kidneys and facilitating its return to circulation. Synthetic vasopressin is used to elevate blood pressure in adults who are experiencing severe low blood pressure due to vasodilatory shock.