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Vasopressin

FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Vasopressin, Vasopressin In 0.9% Sodium Chloride, Vasostrict

Brand Names
Vasopressin, Vasopressin In 0.9% Sodium Chloride, Vasostrict
Route
INTRAVENOUS
Dosage Form
INJECTION
Product Type
HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG

Description

11 DESCRIPTION Vasopressin is a polypeptide hormone. Vasopressin injection is a sterile, aqueous solution of synthetic arginine vasopressin for intravenous administration. The 1 mL solution contains vasopressin 20 units/mL, 1.36 mg sodium acetate buffer and Water for Injection, USP. Sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid are included to adjust to a pH of 3.8. The chemical name of vasopressin is Cyclo (1-6) L-Cysteinyl-L-Tyrosyl-L-Phenylalanyl-L-Glutaminyl- L-Asparaginyl-L-Cysteinyl-L-Prolyl-L-Arginyl-L-Glycinamide. It is a white to off-white amorphous powder, freely soluble in water. The structural formula is: vasop-struc-01.jpg

What Is Vasopressin Used For?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Vasopressin injection is indicated to increase blood pressure in adults with vasodilatory shock who remain hypotensive despite fluids and catecholamines.

  • Vasopressin injection is indicated to increase blood pressure in adults with vasodilatory shock who remain hypotensive despite fluids and catecholamines. ( 1 )

    • Dosage and Administration

    2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

  • Dilute 20 units/mL single dose vial contents with normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) or 5% dextrose in water (D5W) to either 0.1 units/mL or 1 unit/mL for intravenous administration. Discard unused diluted solution after 18 hours at room temperature or 24 hours under refrigeration. ( 2.1 )
  • Post-cardiotomy shock: 0.03 to 0.1 units/minute ( 2.2 )
  • Septic shock: 0.01 to 0.07 units/minute ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Preparation of Solution Inspect parenteral drug products for particulate matter and discoloration prior to use, whenever solution and container permit. Vasopressin Injection Solution for Dilution, 20 units/mL Dilute Vasopressin injection in normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) or 5% dextrose in water (D5W) prior to use for intravenous administration. Discard unused diluted solution after 18 hours at room temperature or 24 hours under refrigeration. Table 1 Preparation of diluted solutions Fluid restriction? Final concentration Mix Vasopressin injection Diluent No 0.1 units/mL 2.5 mL (50 units) 500 mL Yes 1 unit/mL 5 mL (100 units) 100 mL 2.2 Administration In general, titrate to the lowest dose compatible with a clinically acceptable response. The recommended starting dose is: Post-cardiotomy shock: 0.03 units/minute Septic Shock: 0.01 units/minute Titrate up by 0.005 units/minute at 10- to 15-minute intervals until the target blood pressure is reached. There are limited data for doses above 0.1 units/minute for postcardiotomy shock and 0.07 units/minute for septic shock. Adverse reactions are expected to increase with higher doses. After target blood pressure has been maintained for 8 hours without the use of catecholamines, taper vasopressin injection by 0.005 units/minute every hour as tolerated to maintain target blood pressure.

    • Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

    6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions associated with the use of vasopressin were identified in the literature. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not possible to estimate their frequency reliably or to establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Bleeding/lymphatic system disorders: Hemorrhagic shock, decreased platelets, intractable bleeding Cardiac disorders: Right heart failure, atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, myocardial ischemia Gastrointestinal disorders: Mesenteric ischemia Hepatobiliary: Increased bilirubin levels Renal/urinary disorders: Acute renal insufficiency Vascular disorders: Distal limb ischemia Metabolic: Hyponatremia Skin: Ischemic lesions Postmarketing Experience Reversible diabetes insipidus [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. The most common adverse reactions include decreased cardiac output, bradycardia, tachyarrhythmias, hyponatremia and ischemia (coronary, mesenteric, skin, digital). ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC at 1-800-551-7176 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

    Drug Interactions

    7 DRUG INTERACTIONS

  • Pressor effects of catecholamines and Vasopressin injection are expected to be additive. ( 7.1 )
  • Indomethacin may prolong effects of Vasopressin injection. ( 7.2 )
  • Co-administration of ganglionic blockers or drugs causing SIADH may increase the pressor response. ( 7.3 , 7.4 )
  • Co-administration of drugs causing diabetes insipidus may decrease the pressor response. ( 7.5 ) 7.1 Catecholamines Use with catecholamines is expected to result in an additive effect on mean arterial blood pressure and other hemodynamic parameters. Hemodynamic monitoring is recommended; adjust the dose of vasopressin as needed. 7.2 Indomethacin Use with indomethacin may prolong the effect of Vasopressin injection on cardiac index and systemic vascular resistance. Hemodynamic monitoring is recommended; adjust the dose of vasopressin as needed [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. 7.3 Ganglionic Blocking Agents Use with ganglionic blocking agents may increase the effect of Vasopressin injection on mean arterial blood pressure. Hemodynamic monitoring is recommended; adjust the dose of vasopressin as needed [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. 7.4 Drugs Suspected of Causing SIADH Use with drugs suspected of causing SIADH (e.g., SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, haloperidol, chlorpropamide, enalapril, methyldopa, pentamidine, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, felbamate) may increase the pressor effect in addition to the antidiuretic effect of Vasopressin injection. Hemodynamic monitoring is recommended; adjust the dose of vasopressin as needed. 7.5 Drugs Suspected of Causing Diabetes Insipidus Use with drugs suspected of causing diabetes insipidus (e.g., demeclocycline, lithium, foscarnet, clozapine) may decrease the pressor effect in addition to the antidiuretic effect of Vasopressin injection. Hemodynamic monitoring is recommended; adjust the dose of vasopressin as needed.

    • Contraindications

    4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Vasopressin injection 1 mL single dose vial does not contain chlorobutanol and is therefore contraindicated only in patients with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to 8-L-arginine vasopressin.

  • Vasopressin injection 1 mL single dose vial does not contain chlorobutanol and is therefore contraindicated only in patients with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to 8-L-arginine vasopressin. ( 4 )

    • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

    8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no available data on Vasopressin injection use in pregnant women to inform a drug associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted. Clinical Considerations Dose adjustments during pregnancy and the postpartum period: Because of increased clearance of vasopressin in the second and third trimester, the dose of Vasopressin injection may need to be increased [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Maternal adverse reactions: Vasopressin injection may produce tonic uterine contractions that could threaten the continuation of pregnancy.

    Overdosage

    10 OVERDOSAGE Overdosage with Vasopressin injection can be expected to manifest as consequences of vasoconstriction of various vascular beds (peripheral, mesenteric, and coronary) and as hyponatremia. In addition, overdosage may lead less commonly to ventricular tachyarrhythmias (including Torsade de Pointes), rhabdomyolysis, and nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms. Direct effects will resolve within minutes of withdrawal of treatment.

    How Supplied

    16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Vasopressin injection, USP is a clear, practically colorless solution for intravenous administration available as: Product Code Unit of Sale Strength Unit of Use 930101 NDC 63323-930-01 A tray of 25 Single Dose Vials 20 Units per 1 mL NDC 63323-930-00 1 mL Single Dose Vial Store between 2°C and 8°C (36°F and 46°F). Do not freeze. Vials may be held up to 12 months upon removal from refrigeration to room temperature storage conditions (20°C to 25°C [68°F to 77°F], [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]), anytime within the labeled shelf life. Once removed from refrigeration, unopened vial should be marked to indicate the revised 12 month expiration date. If the manufacturer's original expiration date is shorter than the revised expiration date, then the shorter date must be used. Do not use Vasopressin injection beyond the manufacturer's expiration date stamped on the vial. The storage conditions and expiration periods are summarized in the following table. Unopened Refrigerated 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) Unopened Room Temperature 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) Do not store above 25°C (77°F) 1 mL Vial Until manufacturer expiration date 12 months or until manufacturer expiration date, whichever is earlier 451491A Figure

    About This Information

    This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.

    What are side effects?

    Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.

    What are drug interactions?

    Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.