Vasopressin
Vasopressin is a synthetic hormone that mimics the naturally occurring antidiuretic hormone (ADH). It acts directly on V1 receptors in vascular smooth muscle to cause vasoconstriction, thereby raising blood pressure, and on V2 receptors in the renal collecting ducts to promote water reabsorption.
Dosage by Body Weight
Administered strictly under medical supervision via intravenous infusion, intramuscular, or subcutaneous injection. For vasodilatory shock, the typical initial dose is 0.03 units/minute, titrated up to 0.1 units/minute. For diabetes insipidus, 5 to 10 units subcutaneous or intramuscularly 2 to 3 times daily as needed.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- 0.0003 to 0.002 units/kg/min
- Frequency
- Continuous IV Infusion
- Tracking Notes
- Must be administered in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Requires continuous arterial pressure monitoring.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 0.0003 to 0.002 units/kg/min
- Frequency
- Continuous IV Infusion
- Tracking Notes
- Only for critical hypotensive shock refractory to fluid resuscitation and other first-line vasopressors.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 0.0003 to 0.002 units/kg/min
- Frequency
- Continuous IV Infusion
- Tracking Notes
- Highly individualized dosing. Infusion rate must be adjusted dynamically based on target mean arterial pressure (MAP) goals.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 0.0003 to 0.002 units/kg/min
- Frequency
- Continuous IV Infusion
- Tracking Notes
- Continuous monitoring of electrocardiogram (ECG), fluid balance, and serum electrolytes is mandatory.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 0.0003 to 0.002 units/kg/min
- Frequency
- Continuous IV Infusion
- Tracking Notes
- Administer through a central venous catheter where possible to minimize the risk of extravasation and local tissue necrosis.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | 0.0003 to 0.002 units/kg/min | Continuous IV Infusion | Must be administered in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Requires continuous arterial pressure monitoring. |
| 5-7 kg | 0.0003 to 0.002 units/kg/min | Continuous IV Infusion | Only for critical hypotensive shock refractory to fluid resuscitation and other first-line vasopressors. |
| 8-10 kg | 0.0003 to 0.002 units/kg/min | Continuous IV Infusion | Highly individualized dosing. Infusion rate must be adjusted dynamically based on target mean arterial pressure (MAP) goals. |
| 11-15 kg | 0.0003 to 0.002 units/kg/min | Continuous IV Infusion | Continuous monitoring of electrocardiogram (ECG), fluid balance, and serum electrolytes is mandatory. |
| 16-20 kg | 0.0003 to 0.002 units/kg/min | Continuous IV Infusion | Administer through a central venous catheter where possible to minimize the risk of extravasation and local tissue necrosis. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used to increase blood pressure in adults with vasodilatory shock (such as post-cardiotomy or sepsis) who remain hypotensive despite fluids and catecholamines. Also used for the treatment of central diabetes insipidus and prevention or control of variceal bleeding.
Generic Name
VasopressinBranded Drug Names
Vasopressin is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.