Vasopressin (medication)

Vasopressin labeled

Arginine vasopressin3d

Vasopressin, also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH), is a medication and hormone that plays a key role in regulating the body's retention of water and blood pressure. It is a peptide hormone synthesized in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary gland. Vasopressin is used in the treatment of various medical conditions, including diabetes insipidus, vasodilatory shock, and cardiac arrest.

Medical Uses

Vasopressin is primarily used in the management of:

• Diabetes insipidus: A condition characterized by excessive thirst and excretion of large amounts of severely diluted urine. Vasopressin helps to reduce urine output and manage symptoms.
• Vasodilatory shock: A type of shock where blood vessels are abnormally dilated, leading to low blood pressure. Vasopressin acts as a vasoconstrictor to increase blood pressure.
• Cardiac arrest: During advanced cardiac life support, vasopressin may be used as an alternative to epinephrine to improve blood flow to vital organs.

Mechanism of Action

Vasopressin works by binding to vasopressin receptors in the kidneys and blood vessels. In the kidneys, it promotes water reabsorption by increasing the permeability of the collecting ducts to water, thus reducing urine output. In blood vessels, vasopressin causes vasoconstriction, which helps to increase blood pressure.

Side Effects

Common side effects of vasopressin include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Abdominal cramps
• Hypertension

Serious side effects may include:

• Hyponatremia
• Myocardial ischemia
• Gangrene (in cases of prolonged vasoconstriction)

Administration

Vasopressin can be administered via intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous routes. The dosage and administration depend on the condition being treated and the patient's response to the medication.

Related Pages

• Hypothalamus
• Posterior pituitary gland
• Diabetes insipidus
• Vasodilatory shock
• Cardiac arrest
• Epinephrine
• Vasopressin receptors
• Collecting ducts