Notice: Images are for illustration only and may not reflect the exact product you receive. Brand-name medications may look different depending on their country of origin—Canadian versions, for example, often include a "PR" symbol on the packaging. Rest assured, the medication, dosage, and active ingredients will be exactly as prescribed. Canada Pharmacy Store is committed to your health and safety, and we work only with licensed pharmacies to ensure you receive trusted, high-quality medication every time.
General Medication Fact Sheet for Vasopressin
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Vasopressin |
| Brand Name Versions | Pitressin |
| Boxed/Label Warning | None. |
| Purpose | Treatment of diabetes insipidus, vasodilatory shock (septic shock), and bleeding from esophageal varices. |
| Mechanism of Action | Acts on vasopressin receptors in the kidneys to increase water reabsorption and causes vasoconstriction to increase blood pressure. |
| Dosage Forms | Injectable solution |
| Available Strengths | 20 units/mL |
| Dosage Frequency | Administered intravenously or intramuscularly as needed, based on clinical response. |
| Common Side Effects | Headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, paleness |
| Serious Side Effects | Cardiac arrest, bradycardia, hyponatremia, water intoxication, allergic reactions |
| Drug Interactions | Alcohol, carbamazepine, chlorpropamide, clofibrate, demeclocycline, lithium, norepinephrine |
| Important Notes | Monitor fluid and electrolyte balance carefully; use caution in patients with coronary artery disease. |
| Storage | Store at refrigerated temperatures (2-8°C or 36-46°F). Protect from freezing. |
| Missed Dose | This medication is typically administered in a clinical setting. Contact your healthcare provider if you believe a dose was missed. |
| Alternatives | Desmopressin, Lypressin, Terlipressin |
Vasopressin Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Desmopressin (DDAVP) | Synthetic analog of vasopressin that acts on V2 receptors to increase water reabsorption. | Used for diabetes insipidus and nocturnal enuresis. Available as nasal spray, oral tablets, and injection. |
| Lypressin (Diapid) | Synthetic vasopressin that acts on vasopressin receptors to increase water reabsorption. | Administered as a nasal spray. |
| Terlipressin (Glypressin) | Vasopressin analogue that acts on V1 receptors to cause vasoconstriction. | Used for bleeding from esophageal varices. |
Vasopressin Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Headache | Cardiac arrest |
| Nausea | Bradycardia |
| Vomiting | Hyponatremia |
| Abdominal cramps | Water intoxication |
| Paleness | Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing) |
Vasopressin Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diabetes Insipidus | 5-10 units | 5-60 units daily, divided into 2-4 doses | Administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously. Adjust dose based on urine output and serum sodium levels. |
| Vasodilatory Shock (Septic Shock) | 0.01-0.04 units/minute | Titrate to effect, up to 0.1 units/minute | Administered as a continuous intravenous infusion. Monitor blood pressure and heart rate closely. |
| Esophageal Variceal Bleeding | 0.2-0.4 units/minute | 0.2-0.4 units/minute for up to 24 hours | Administered as a continuous intravenous infusion. Monitor for signs of fluid overload and hyponatremia. |
Vasopressin Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $200 – $500 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $375 – $500 |
| From Canada | $77 |
