Home Drug Guide Vasopressin

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Vasopressin

Brand Names Vasostrict, Vasopressin In Sodium Chloride 0.9%

Classification

Therapeutic: Vasopressor, Antidiuretic hormone

Pharmacological: Vasopressin receptor agonist

FDA Approved Indications

  • Treatment of vasodilatory shock, including septic shock; Diabetes insipidus; Cardiac arrest (as an adjunct)

Mechanism of Action

Vasopressin acts on V1 receptors on vascular smooth muscle to cause vasoconstriction, and on V2 receptors in the kidney's collecting ducts to promote water reabsorption, reducing urine volume.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Typically, IV infusion of 0.01 to 0.04 units/min; dosing should be titrated based on clinical response.

Pediatric: Dosing varies; generally administered IV infusion with doses adapted to weight and clinical response. Consult specific pediatric dosing guidelines.

Geriatric: Use with caution; adjust doses as needed, considering cardiac and vascular status.

Renal Impairment: Dose adjustment may be necessary; monitor closely.

Hepatic Impairment: No specific adjustment recommended; use cautiously.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Administered IV; bioavailability is 100%.

Distribution: Widely distributed; crosses the blood-brain barrier minimally.

Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver and kidneys.

Excretion: Excreted mainly unchanged in urine.

Half Life: Approximately 10-20 minutes.

Contraindications

  • Vasopressin allergy or hypersensitivity

Precautions

  • Use cautiously in patients with coronary artery disease, hyponatremia, or vascular disease; monitor fluid balance and electrolytes closely.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Nausea (Uncommon)
  • Abdominal cramps (Uncommon)
  • Hypertension (Uncommon)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Ischemic events (myocardial infarction, angina, arrhythmias) (Rare)
  • Hyponatremia leading to seizures or coma (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Sympathomimetics may increase vasoconstriction; diuretics can alter fluid balance.

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor blood pressure, heart rate, serum sodium, urine output, and signs of ischemia.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for fluid imbalance
  • Ineffective tissue perfusion

Implementation: Administer as ordered; monitor for adverse effects; ensure adequate hydration.

Evaluation: Assess response to therapy; monitor for signs of adverse reactions.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Report chest pain, numbness, or tingling; sit or lie still when receiving IV infusion; report signs of hyponatremia such as nausea or confusion.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • Vasopressin should be used cautiously due to risk of severe ischemic events and hyponatremia.

Genetic Factors: N/A

Lab Test Interference: May affect serum sodium and other electrolyte tests.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Severe hypertension, bradycardia, ischemic events, or hyponatremia.

Treatment: Discontinue vasopressin; provide supportive care; treat hyponatremia with careful correction; manage hemodynamic instability.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, protected from light.

Stability: Stable for the duration specified in the package insert, typically 24 months.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.