Vasopressin

Introduction To Vasopressin

Vasopressin is used in the treatment of diabetes insipidus, bleeding esophageal varices (bleeding from dilated veins in the food pipe leading to your stomach), and low blood pressure.

Vasopressin is generally administered by a doctor or a nurse. You should not self-administer this medicine at home. Your doctor will decide the dose and how often you should take them.

Using this medicine can cause some common side effects such as decreased cardiac output, slow heart rate, tachyarrhythmias, decreased sodium level in the blood, and ischemia. Let your doctor know if any of these side effects do not go away or get worse.

Before using this medicine, inform your doctor if you have any problems with your heart, liver, or kidneys. You should also tell your doctor all the other medicines you are taking. This medicine is not recommended for children and adolescents.

Uses of Vasopressin

  • Bleeding esophageal varices
  • Diabetes insipidus
  • Low blood pressure

Benefits of Vasopressin

Bleeding esophageal varices
Esophageal varices develop when normal blood flow to the liver is blocked by a clot or scar tissue in the liver. Vasopressin helps to reduce blood flow by narrowing the blood vessels and helps reduce and stop bleeding. It is given as an injection by a doctor or a nurse and should not be self-administered. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get maximum benefit.

Diabetes insipidus
Vasopressin contains a hormone vasopressin, that acts on the kidneys and reduces the frequency and amount of urine produced by the kidneys. Thus, it brings about rapid action of controlling thirst and also reduces the urge to urinate often. This helps to manage these symptoms in diabetes insipidus and improves your quality of life.

Low blood pressure
Vasopressin is used to relieve low blood pressure which may occur due to sudden change in posture from lying to sitting or standing up, during an operation or after an injury. This medicine helps to bring back the blood pressure within normal range and therefore prevents any sudden fall or even serious complications that might have otherwise followed due to low blood pressure.

Side effects of Vasopressin

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Vasopar

  • Decreased cardiac function
  • Slow heart rate
  • Decreased sodium level in blood
  • Ischemia

How to use Vasopressin

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

How Vasopressin works

Vasopressin have the same structure as that of the natural hormone vasopressin. Vasopressin lowers the amount of urine and bleeding by constricting (narrowing) the blood vessels which, in turn, prevents the loss of water from the body.

Quick tips

  • Vasopressin is given as an injection into veins under the supervision of a doctor.
  • It makes you feel dizzy or lightheaded. To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Safety Advice

sdsPregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Can I take Vasopressin if I’m pregnant?

Vasopressin may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.

sdsBreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Can I take Vasopressin if I’m breastfeeding?

Vasopressin is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.

sdsAlcoholUNSAFE

Is drinking alcohol while taking Vasopressin safe?

It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Vasopressin.

sdsDrivingSAFE

Can I drive after taking Vasopressin?

Vasopressin does not usually affect your ability to drive.

sdsKidneyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Can I take Vasopressin if I have/had kidney diseases?

There is limited information available on the use of Vasopressin in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.

sdsLiverCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Can I take Vasopressin if I have/had liver diseases?

There is limited information available on the use of Vasopressin in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do you give Vasopressin?

Vasopressin is given by a doctor or nurse into the muscle or under the skin. It should not be self-administered. The dose will depend on the condition you are being treated for and will be decided by your doctor. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get maximum benefit from Vasopressin.

Q. Is Vasopressin safe?

Vasopressin is safe if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and let your doctor know if any of the side effects bother you.

Q. Who should not take Vasopressin?

Vasopressin should not be given to anyone with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to Vasopressin or any of its ingredients.

Q. Can I take Vasopressin in pregnancy?

There is no clarity on the use of Vasopressin in pregnancy. However, if you are pregnant or planning to conceive, consult your doctor before taking Vasopressin. You may take it only if prescribed by your doctor.

Q. Is Vasopressin effective?

Vasopressin is effective if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you see improvement in your condition. If you stop using Vasopressin too early, the symptoms may return or worsen.

References

Written By:

Dr Advikka Ridhy

Dr Advikka Ridhy

MBBS

RMO, Aster MIMS

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