Vasopressin / Vasostrict

Question 1

Trade name

Answer 1

Pitressin

Question 2

Class

Answer 2

Arterial constrictor, non-adrenergic peripheral vasoconstrictor, anti-diuretic hormone, mesenteric vasoconstrictor.

Question 3

Mechanism of action

Answer 3

Increases BP by vasoconstriction, vasopressin is a hormone analog of Antidiuretic Hormone(ADH) ADH is released from the posterior pituitary and works to prevent loss of H20 by increasing reabsorption in kidneys

Question 4

Indications

Answer 4

GI bleed, shock, cardiac arrest, treatment of life threatening diabetes, insipid.

Question 5

Contraindications

Answer 5

Hypersensitivity to vasopressin, hypertension. Use caution in pots with vascular disease or coronary artery disease

Question 6

Adverse effects

Answer 6

In cardiac arrest - may cause hypertension and bradycardia if a rhythm resumes. Bronchocontriction, ischemic chest pain, nausea and vomiting.

Question 7

Incompatibilities/Drug interactions

Answer 7

None known

Question 8

Routs of Admin

Answer 8

IV/IO

Question 9

Onset of action

Answer 9

Onset: immediate, peak effects 2hrs, duration too variable to accurately determine

Question 10

Adult dose

Answer 10

Hypotension refractory to fluid resuscitation: if SBP

Question 11

Pediatric dose

Answer 11

Not indicated

Question 12

Special consideration

Answer 12

Vasopressin binds to different receptors than catecholamine like epinephrine, dopamine, and norepinephrine, thus it may increase blood pressure when catecholamines will not.
Like all potent vasoconstrictors, vasopressin increases systemic cascara resistance which may decrease cardiac output

Question 13

Protocols used

Answer 13

A-2: Allergic reactions
A-7: Cardiogenic shock
A-30: Septic Shock
C-8: Spinal Shock