Source: FDA label
| Molecular formula | C46H65N15O12S2 |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 1084.2 g/mol |
| Registered trials | 779 |
| PubChem CID | 644077 |
| Brand names | VASOPRESSIN |
Mechanism of Action
12.1 Mechanism of Action Vasopressin causes vasoconstriction by binding to V 1 receptors on vascular smooth muscle coupled to the Gq/1 1-phospholipase C-phosphatidyl-inositol-triphosphate pathway, resulting in the release of intracellular calcium. In addition, vasopressin stimulates antidiuresis via stimulation of V 2 receptors which are coupled to adenyl cyclase.
Key Takeaways
- Vasopressin is FDA approved to raise blood pressure in adults with vasodilatory shock who stay hypotensive despite fluids and catecholamines.
- It acts on V1 receptors to constrict blood vessels and on V2 receptors to promote water retention.
- More than 779 trials involving vasopressin have been registered.
- The most frequently reported issue in adverse event reports is the drug being ineffective, followed by off label use and hypotension.
- The current label carries no boxed warning.
What Vasopressin Is
Vasopressin is a synthetic version of the body's own antidiuretic hormone, marketed under the brand name VASOPRESSIN. It binds V1 receptors on vascular smooth muscle, triggering a signaling cascade that releases intracellular calcium and causes vessels to constrict. Through a separate V2 receptor pathway, it also helps the kidneys retain water, an antidiuretic effect distinct from its blood pressure action.
What Vasopressin Is Approved For
Vasopressin injection is indicated to increase blood pressure in adults with vasodilatory shock who remain hypotensive despite fluid resuscitation and catecholamine support. This is a narrow, critical care indication for patients who have not responded to first line measures. The label does not carry a boxed warning.
What the Evidence Shows
Vasopressin has been studied in more than 779 registered trials, reflecting its long history in critical care and endocrinology. A currently recruiting multicenter observational study is examining its use in septic shock. A completed trial evaluated its pharmacologic treatment in congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, while another study now in the planning stage aims to evaluate fluid care strategies in pediatric intensive care.
Reported Side Effects
Adverse event reports for vasopressin are dominated by markers of severe underlying illness rather than a single clear drug reaction pattern. The most common report is drug ineffectiveness (1,291 reports), followed by off label use (522) and hypotension (497). Other frequently reported terms include cardiogenic shock (398), sepsis (387), multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (381), condition aggravated (369), and toxicity to various agents (326). These figures represent counts of submitted reports, not confirmed incidence or proof that vasopressin caused the event, and they likely reflect the critical condition of patients who receive this drug.
FAQ
What is vasopressin used for?
Vasopressin is approved to raise blood pressure in adults with vasodilatory shock who remain hypotensive despite fluid resuscitation and catecholamine drugs. It is used in critical care settings when first line treatments have not adequately restored blood pressure.
How does vasopressin work?
Vasopressin binds V1 receptors on blood vessel walls, triggering a signaling pathway that releases intracellular calcium and causes the vessels to constrict, raising blood pressure. It also acts on V2 receptors in the kidney to promote water retention, an antidiuretic effect separate from its pressor action.
Does vasopressin carry a boxed warning?
No. The current vasopressin label does not include a boxed warning.
What are the most commonly reported side effects of vasopressin?
The most frequently reported issues in adverse event data are the drug being ineffective, off label use, and hypotension, along with reports of cardiogenic shock, sepsis, and multiple organ dysfunction. These are counts of submitted reports, not confirmed rates of incidence, and largely reflect the severity of illness in patients who receive vasopressin rather than a direct drug effect.
How much clinical research exists on vasopressin?
More than 779 trials involving vasopressin have been registered, spanning uses such as septic shock, congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, and fluid management in intensive care.
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Sources: DailyMed label ClinicalTrials.gov FDA FAERS PubChem
Updated 2026-08-03