Vasopressin
Aliases: ADH · Vasostrict · Pitressin
Last verified: 2026-09-23
The short version
The natural nonapeptide ADH — approved for vasodilatory shock (sepsis) and diabetes insipidus; emergency medicine.
Identity & type
- Molecular type
- peptide
- Origin
- The natural nonapeptide ADH — approved for vasodilatory shock (sepsis) and diabetes insipidus; emergency medicine.
Mechanism of action
V1 (vasoconstriction), V2 (water reabsorption), V3 receptors.
Dosing & routes
Official / clinical context
Approved drug — indications, dosing and warnings are defined by the official label. IV infusion 0.01–0.07 IU/min (shock).
Regulator-approved labeling and published study designs — never a recommendation.
Community-reported practice
IV infusion 0.01–0.07 IU/min (shock). An ICU drug: raises blood pressure in septic shock when catecholamines are insufficient; no out-of-hospital use.
Unverified self-reports. Not medical advice. Not endorsement.
Expected effects (community)
An ICU drug: raises blood pressure in septic shock when catecholamines are insufficient; no out-of-hospital use.
Protocol — official vs community
Official / label
Vasostrict (and equivalents), intravenous only: vasodilatory shock (e.g. septic shock) refractory to fluids and catecholamines — continuous infusion of 0.01–0.07 units/minute, added to norepinephrine; one 40-unit IV bolus during adult CPR is guideline-endorsed. Adjunct to fluid/electrolyte replacement in central diabetes insipidus.
- 01Shock: start 0.01 units/min, titrate against mean arterial pressure; doses above 0.07 units/min are not recommended
Duration: Hours to days, within an ICU, tapered as shock resolves.
Endogenous ADH given exogenously: V1-mediated vasoconstriction supports blood pressure while its relative deficiency in septic shock is replaced. Ischemia (digits, mesentery, myocardium) and arrhythmias are the dose-limiting toxicities.
Community (anecdotal)
Structured protocol data for this entry is coming.
Human evidence
Standard in septic shock (VASST and later trials).
Preclinical evidence
The preclinical phase was completed and submitted to regulators as part of registration; pharmacology and toxicology details are part of the official label.
Known risks
- Ischemia, arrhythmias, hyponatremia.characterized
Teal: characterized in clinical/labeling contexts. Amber: theoretical or reported outside controlled settings.
Unknowns & evidence gaps
- Real-world data outside controlled trials