How does vasopressin (Vasostrict) work?

[Vasopressin](https://www.yourhormones.info/hormones/anti-diuretic-hormone/), also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH), is a hormone made by your body to help control blood pressure. Vasopressin (Vasostrict) is a man-made version of this hormone. It raises blood pressure by acting on your blood vessels and making them more narrow. It also raises blood pressure by causing your kidneys to make less urine, so that your body holds onto more fluid.

vasopressin

Q: What is vasopressin (Vasostrict) used for?

Vasopressin (Vasostrict) is used to treat dangerously low blood pressure from [vasodilatory shock](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470316/). This is a medical emergency where your blood vessels suddenly widen in response to a [trigger](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470316/#article-28974.s3) (e.g., [infection](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/infections/septic-shock-causes-symptoms-treatment), inflammation). Low blood pressure can be dangerous because it causes your blood to not flow as well to important organs, like your brain and kidneys. Vasopressin (Vasostrict) is typically only used for people who aren't responding to fluids and other medications used to raise blood pressure (e.g., [norepinephrine (Levophed)](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=levophed&pagesize=200&page=1) or [epinephrine (Adrenalin)](https://www.goodrx.com/epinephrine-adrenalin/what-is)).

Q: How is vasopressin (Vasostrict) given and what's the dose?

Vasopressin (Vasostrict) is given as a slow, continuous infusion through the veins (IV). Your provider will determine your dose of vasopressin (Vasostrict) depending on factors such as your blood pressure and how your body responds to the medication. Hospitals typically have a specific program in place with steps that outline how to monitor and change the dose of vasopressin (Vasostrict) so that it works well and is as safe as possible for you.

Q: What are the side effects of vasopressin (Vasostrict)?

Some reported side effects of vasopressin (Vasostrict) include low heart rate, bleeding, and kidney problems. Because this medication is only given under the care of a healthcare provider in a hospital setting, everyone who receive vasopressin (Vasostrict) will be closely monitored by the healthcare team. The team will watch for things, such as how your blood pressure or heart rate changes in response to this medication.

Generic Vasopressin

Used for Hypotension

Vasopressin (Vasostrict) is a medication used to treat people with dangerously low blood pressure in medical emergencies. It's given as an infusion through the veins by a trained healthcare provider. typically in a hospital setting. People who receive vasopressin (Vasostrict) will be closely monitored by their healthcare team.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Last reviewed on December 11, 2022

What is Vasopressin (Vasostrict)?

What is Vasopressin (Vasostrict) used for?

Dangerously low blood pressure during a medical emergency

Are you looking for information on desmopressin (DDAVP) instead?

Drug facts

Common Brands	Vasostrict
Drug Class	Vasopressin agonist
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

Vasostrict

Drug Class

Vasopressin agonist

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

Common questions about Vasopressin

Vasopressin is used to treat dangerously low blood pressure from vasodilatory shock. This is a medical emergency where your blood vessels suddenly widen in response to a trigger (e.g., infection, inflammation). Low blood pressure can be dangerous because it causes your blood to not flow as well to important organs, like your brain and kidneys. Vasopressin is typically only used for people who aren't responding to fluids and other medications used to raise blood pressure (e.g., norepinephrine (Levophed) or epinephrine (Adrenalin)).

Vasopressin, also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH), is a hormone made by your body to help control blood pressure. Vasopressin is a man-made version of this hormone. It raises blood pressure by acting on your blood vessels and making them more narrow. It also raises blood pressure by causing your kidneys to make less urine, so that your body holds onto more fluid.

Vasopressin is given as a slow, continuous infusion through the veins (IV). Your provider will determine your dose of Vasopressin depending on factors such as your blood pressure and how your body responds to the medication. Hospitals typically have a specific program in place with steps that outline how to monitor and change the dose of Vasopressin so that it works well and is as safe as possible for you.

Some reported side effects of Vasopressin include low heart rate, bleeding, and kidney problems. Because this medication is only given under the care of a healthcare provider in a hospital setting, everyone who receive Vasopressin will be closely monitored by the healthcare team. The team will watch for things, such as how your blood pressure or heart rate changes in response to this medication.

Vasopressin (Vasostrict) dosage

Typical dosage for Vasopressin (Vasostrict)

Interactions between Vasopressin (Vasostrict) and other drugs

Vasopressin (Vasostrict) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Vasopressin (Vasostrict). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Dihydroergotamine

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.