Vasopressin
Vasopressin is an endogenous peptide hormone whose vascular and water-retaining actions also support specific critical-care drug uses.
At a glance
- Evidence stage
- Approved use
- Regulatory status
- VASOSTRICT is FDA-approved to increase blood pressure in adults with vasodilatory shock who remain hypotensive despite fluids and catecholamines.
- Research context
- Vasopressin is an endogenous peptide hormone whose vascular and water-retaining actions also support specific critical-care drug uses.
What this is
- Vasopressin is an endogenous peptide hormone whose vascular and water-retaining actions also support specific critical-care drug uses.
What this isn't
- A recommendation to use, prepare, combine, or administer a product
- Evidence that a related molecule or a differently formulated product has the same effects
Key terms
Vasopressin is an endogenous peptide hormone whose vascular and water-retaining actions also support specific critical-care drug uses.
Vascular V1-receptor activity constricts blood vessels, while renal V2-receptor activity promotes water retention. In vasodilatory shock, the intended effect is restoration of vascular tone when blood pressure remains inadequate. This prescription critical-care role is distinct from desmopressin's more selective antidiuretic uses and from experimental discussions of social behavior. VASOSTRICT pharmacology and indication.
Evidence limits
How to read the evidence
A blood-pressure response is not equivalent to improved survival, restored kidney function, or resolution of the cause of shock. VANISH studied a specific early septic-shock strategy, while the label covers a defined refractory vasodilatory-shock population. Those differences should remain visible when comparing the trial with the approved indication; neither supports a wellness or cognitive-enhancement claim. Trial population and conclusion; label boundaries.
Sources appraised 2026-10-28. Educational information; not medical advice. Study findings apply to the populations, preparations and outcomes described.
External sources and citations
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