International reference: 2 US FDA recalls for this ingredient
Lack of Assurance of Sterility: after an FDA inspection called into question the sterility of the products intended to be sterile. (vasopressin)
Sub-potent drug: failure to maintain potency through the duration of the labeled expiration/beyond-use date. (vasopressin)
US-market enforcement records (OpenFDA), shown for reference - not specific to this product in South Africa.
VASOPRESSIN 40 units/100 ml CIPLA
Vasopressin
What it does
Vasopressin is a hormone used to help control water balance in the body and manage certain medical conditions.
Commonly used for: diabetes insipidus, low blood pressure (hypotension)
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
Ask about this medicine
Answers come only from this medicine's registration record, BNF monograph and interaction data - not medical advice.
Medicine sourcing is available in Kenya only. We don't sell or dispense medicines - licensed pharmacies do.
Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: South African Health Products Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-15 21:29:40 · updated 2026-10-21 04:02:22
Drug Interactions
3Unknown (3)
Vasopressin - decreases antidiuretic effect
Alcoholmightdecreasetheantidiureticeffectofvasopressin. oTheoretical Aldesleukin →seeTABLE15p.1520(myelosuppression) Alectinib →seeTABLE6p.1518(bradycardia),TABLE1p.1517 (hepatotoxicity) com/codemedic
Vasopressin - decreases antidiuretic effect
Heparin might decrease the antidiuretic effect of vasopressin. Theoretical Hepatitis B immunoglobulin → see immunoglobulins Herpes-zoster vaccine, live → see live vaccines HIV-protease inhibitors . .
Vasopressin - increases hypertensive effect
Sympathomimetics, vasoconstrictor (adrenaline/epinephrine) might increase the hypertensive effect of vasopressin.
Data from BNF 85 (British National Formulary). This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Matched via: exact
About this medicine
Vasopressin is a hormone used to help control water balance in the body and manage certain medical conditions.
What it treats
- diabetes insipidus
- low blood pressure (hypotension)
How it works
Vasopressin helps the kidneys retain water, which can increase blood volume and pressure.
Who it's for
It is prescribed for people with diabetes insipidus or severe low blood pressure.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: Vasopressin
BNF-referencedVasopressin, also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH), is an endogenous peptide hormone produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary gland. It plays a critical role in regulating water balance in the body by promoting water reabsorption in the kidneys, thereby concentrating urine and reducing urine volume. Vasopressin also has vasoconstrictive properties, which can influence blood pressure and blood volume.
Indications
- Diabetes insipidus (central)
- Control of esophageal variceal bleeding
- Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)
- Adjunct in acute massive hemorrhage of gastrointestinal tract or esophageal varices (specialist use only)
Dosage
Adults: For diabetes insipidus, the initial dose is 5-10 units intramuscularly
Mechanism of action
Vasopressin exerts its effects primarily through binding to vasopressin receptors, specifically V1 and V2 receptors. The V1 receptors are located on vascular smooth muscle cells and mediate vasoconstriction, while V2 receptors are found in the renal collecting ducts and promote water reabsorption by stimulating aquaporin-2 channels' translocation to the apical membrane of collecting duct cells. This mechanism enhances water permeability, leading to increased water reabsorption and decreased urine output.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamic effects of vasopressin include increased water reabsorption in the kidneys, leading to concentrated urine and reduced urine output. Additionally, vasopressin causes vasoconstriction, which can increase systemic vascular resistance and, consequently, blood pressure. The hormone's antidiuretic effects are dose-dependent, and its vasoconstrictive effects can also be used therapeutically in specific clinical scenarios such as managing acute variceal bleeding.
Pharmacokinetics
Vasopressin is typically administered via intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intravenous routes. The onset of action varies depending on the route of administration; intravenous administration provides rapid effects. The half-life of vasopressin is approximately 10-20 minutes, and it is metabolized primarily by peptidases in the liver and kidneys. Its clearance can be affected by renal function and the presence of certain drugs that interact with its metabolism.
Contra-indications
- Chronic nephritis
- Cardiovascular disease
- Severe renal impairment
- Hypersensitivity to vasopressin or any of its components
Adverse effects
- Hyponatremia
- Headache
- Nausea
- Abdominal cramps
- Water retention
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Hypotension
- Tachycardia
Interactions
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin) may increase vasopressin levels
- Alcohol may decrease the antidiuretic effect of vasopressin
- Heparin may decrease the antidiuretic effect of vasopressin
- Sympathomimetics and vasoconstrictors may increase hypertensive effects
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with a history of seizures
- Monitor fluid balance and electrolytes
- Assess for signs of water retention and hyponatremia
- Adjust dosage based on clinical response and tolerability
Pregnancy
Vasopressin may have an oxytocic effect in the third trimester; use with caution.
Breast-feeding
Not known to be harmful during breastfeeding; use caution.
Storage
Store at room temperature, away from light. Do not freeze. Protect from moisture.
Formulations
- Vasopressin injection (various concentrations)
- Desmopressin acetate oral lyophilisates
- Terlipressin acetate injection
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.