Vasopressin
From PeptidePlaza, the free peptide reference · Entry #1035 · Anti-Aging · Sources fetched 2026-09-10 · Editorial standards
Vasopressin is a anti-aging research peptide. Vasopressin is an FDA-approved peptide hormone and V1a, V1b, and V2 receptor agonist used to increase blood pressure in adults with vasodilatory shock.
Vasopressin, also known as Vasopressin Tannate, is an FDA-approved peptide hormone that acts as an agonist for the vasopressin V1a, V1b, and V2 receptors. It is indicated for increasing blood pressure in adults experiencing vasodilatory shock who remain hypotensive despite fluid resuscitation and catecholamine administration. Approved in 1982, vasopressin is administered intravenously and is marketed under the name VASOPRESSIN. Research on vasopressin frequently focuses on its use and initiation timing in septic shock, its general biology, and its role in endocrine disorders, reflecting its broad impact in critical care and physiological regulation.
1 Mechanism of action
Vasopressin V2 receptor agonist (agonist); Vasopressin V1a receptor agonist (agonist); Vasopressin V1b receptor agonist (agonist)
Primary targets: Vasopressin V2 receptor · Vasopressin V1a receptor · Vasopressin V1b receptor
2 Reported effects
Effects below are those reported in the published literature cited on this page. They are not claims of clinical benefit and not medical advice.
2.1 Indicated / studied for
- Increased blood pressure in adults with vasodilatory shock
2.2 Side effects
- Hemorrhagic shock
- Right heart failure
- Atrial fibrillation
- Bradycardia
- Myocardial ischemia
- Mesenteric ischemia
3 Chemical and physical properties
| Purity (typical) | Not independently verified |
|---|---|
| Brand names | VASOPRESSIN |
| Route | INTRAVENOUS |
| Storage | −20 °C, lyophilised powder, desiccated |
| Solubility | Sterile water / bacteriostatic water |
| Receptors / targets | Vasopressin V2 receptor, Vasopressin V1a receptor, Vasopressin V1b receptor |
3.1 Amino acid sequence
Cys-Tyr-Phe-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Arg-Gly-NH2 (cyclic 1–6 disulfide)
4 Research dosages
Post-cardiotomy shock: 0.03 to 0.1 units/minute; Septic shock: 0.01 to 0.07 units/minute
5 Research studies (8)
- Vasopressin
(2006) · Review - Optimizing Vasopressin Use and Initiation Timing in Septic Shock: A Narrative Review
Chest (2023) · Review - The Biology of Vasopressin
Biomedicines (2021) · Review - Copeptin analysis in endocrine disorders
Frontiers in endocrinology (2023) · Review - Vasopressin
Seminars in respiratory and critical care medicine (2004) - Cardiac effects of vasopressin
Journal of cardiovascular pharmacology (2014) · Review - Vasopressin and vasopressin receptors in brain edema
Vitamins and hormones (2020) · Review - Vasopressin in Pediatric Critical Care
Journal of pediatric intensive care (2016) · Review
6 Safety and risk profile
6.1 Regulatory status
Vasopressin is currently classified as FDA approved. Approval applies to specific clinical indications and dosing; research-grade material is not the approved product.
6.2 Contraindications
Conditions and populations in which use is contraindicated:
- Known allergy or hypersensitivity to 8-L-arginine vasopressin
6.3 Drug interactions
| Drug or class | Interaction | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Catecholamines | Additive effect on mean arterial blood pressure and other hemodynamic parameters | High |
| Indomethacin | May prolong the effect of Vasopressin injection on cardiac index and systemic vascular resistance | Moderate |
| Ganglionic blocking agents | May increase the effect of Vasopressin injection on mean arterial blood pressure | Moderate |
| 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 | Moderate |
| 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 | Moderate |
6.4 Long-term risks
- worsening cardiac function
- reversible diabetes insipidus
6.5 Research best practices
- 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])
- Do not use beyond the manufacturer's expiration date
7 Frequently asked questions
- What is vasopressin used for?
- Vasopressin is used to increase blood pressure in adult patients who are experiencing vasodilatory shock and remain hypotensive even after receiving fluids and catecholamines. It is an FDA-approved medication for this specific indication.
- How does vasopressin work?
- Vasopressin functions as an agonist for the vasopressin V1a, V1b, and V2 receptors. By activating these receptors, it helps to constrict blood vessels and increase systemic vascular resistance, thereby raising blood pressure in patients with vasodilatory shock.
- Is vasopressin FDA approved?
- Yes, vasopressin is an FDA-approved medication. It received its first approval in 1982 and is indicated for increasing blood pressure in adults with vasodilatory shock.
- What are the side effects of vasopressin?
- Common adverse reactions associated with vasopressin include decreased cardiac output, bradycardia, tachyarrhythmias, hyponatremia, and various forms of ischemia, such as coronary, mesenteric, skin, and digital ischemia. Other reported effects include hemorrhagic shock and right heart failure.
- How is vasopressin administered?
- Vasopressin is administered intravenously. This route ensures direct and rapid delivery of the medication to achieve its pressor effects in patients with vasodilatory shock.
8 References
- Vasopressin — molecule record ChEMBL. View source
- Vasopressin — FDA approved prescribing information U.S. Food and Drug Administration. View source
- Vasopressin — published literature (38,000 records) PubMed. View source
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