Clinical Overview
Vasopressin Injection (20 IU/ml) is a sterile parenteral formulation of endogenous nonapeptide hormone (antidiuretic hormone / ADH) on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. It stimulates vascular V1a receptors on vascular smooth muscle to produce intense systemic vasoconstriction and renal V2 receptors to conserve water. Indicated for vasodilatory shock (septic shock, post-cardiotomy shock) refractory to high-dose norepinephrine, acute bleeding esophageal varices in portal hypertension, and management of severe central diabetes insipidus.
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
Verified Clinical References
Usage Guidelines
Administer intravenously as a continuous infusion (diluted in 0.9% NaCl or 5% Dextrose) via a central venous catheter: for septic shock, infuse 0.01 to 0.03 units/min. For esophageal variceal hemorrhage: infuse 0.2 to 0.4 units/min. Strictly for hospital ICU / critical care settings under continuous invasive hemodynamic monitoring.
General Administration Advice: Adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage, frequency, and treatment course. For oral medications, swallow with sufficient water. Never stop antibiotics, psychiatric medications, or antihypertensives abruptly without clinical direction.
Possible Side Effects
Common: Blanching of skin, abdominal colic, nausea, increased blood pressure. Rare/Severe: Myocardial ischemia, cardiac arrhythmias, mesenteric ischemia, digital necrosis, severe hyponatremia, and anaphylaxis.
*Note: Individual physiological responses vary. While many patients experience few or no side effects, notify your treating physician if adverse reactions persist or if hypersensitivity (angioedema, skin rash, dyspnea) occurs.
Precautions & Warnings
Black Box Caution: Potent vasoconstrictor; strictly contraindicated in coronary artery disease unless used in life-saving refractory vasodilatory shock. Administer via central line to prevent severe peripheral tissue necrosis and gangrene from extravasation. Monitor central venous pressure, ECG, and electrolytes continuously.
Schedule H (Prescription Required)
This medication is scheduled under statutory drug regulatory frameworks (CDSCO / Drugs & Cosmetics Rules). Dispensing requires a valid medical prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Self-medication or unsupervised dosage adjustment carries significant clinical risks.
Medical Disclaimer: Statutory Clinical Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational and price-transparency purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, nephrological diagnosis, or urological treatment recommendations. Always consult a registered nephrologist, urologist, or qualified medical practitioner before initiating, modifying, or discontinuing any kidney or urinary tract medication.