Vasopressin Injection: Uses & Side Effects

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A vasopressin injection is a synthetic form of the vasopressin hormone that regulates the water balance in your body. The injection helps lower the amount of pee that your body makes. It also tightens small blood vessels. It treats stomach bloating and diabetes insipidus.

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VASOPRESSIN (vas oh PRES in) treats low blood pressure. It works by narrowing your blood vessels, which helps increase your blood pressure.

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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Pitressin, Vasostrict

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Diabetes insipidus
• Heart disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to vasopressin, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

This medication is infused into a vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be used in children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use.

• Demeclocycline
• Ergot alkaloids, such as ergotamine
• Indomethacin
• Lithium

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Burning, pain, tingling, or color changes in the hands, arms, legs, or feet
• Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
• Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
• Low sodium level—muscle weakness, fatigue, dizziness, headache, confusion

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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