Vasopressin

Vasopressin is used to increase blood pressure in adults who have life-threatening low blood pressure when other treatments have not been effective.

Vasopressin may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

If you receive vasopressin in an emergency, ensure that any doctor you see afterward is aware that you received vasopressin.

You should not be treated with vasopressin if you are allergic to it or chlorobutanol.

If possible during an emergency, tell your medical caregivers if you've ever had:

• heart problems or coronary artery disease (clogged arteries).

If you receive vasopressin during an emergency, make sure any follow-up doctor knows you received this medicine.

Vasopressin can cause premature labor contractions. If possible during an emergency, tell your medical caregivers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, trouble breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your medical caregivers right away if you have:

• severe numbness or tingling in your hands or feet, pale skin, blue lips or fingernails, unusual skin changes (sores, tightness, discoloration, pain), especially in your lower legs or feet;
• unusual bleeding, any bleeding that will not stop, easy bruising, purple or red spots under your skin;
• heart problems--swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath, chest pressure, chest pain or tightness, trouble breathing, racing or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, slow breathing, irregular or uneven heartbeats;
• severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, gas, bowel problems;
• low blood sodium--headache, confusion, problems with thinking or memory, weakness, feeling unsteady; or
• kidney problems--swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or short of breath.

Common side effects of vasopressin may include:

• fever, feeling very tired; or
• dry mouth, increased thirst or increased urination.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Vasopressin is injected into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

You will need frequent medical tests. Your heart rate and blood pressure will be constantly monitored.

You may need further medical tests after you finish receiving vasopressin. You may need to restart vasopressin based on the results, or you may be given other medications to help treat your condition.

In an emergency medical setting, it is unlikely that a dose will be missed.

In a medical setting, an overdose would be treated quickly.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any limits on food, drinks, or activities.

Vasopressin can impact your heart and blood. Inform your doctor if you are using any other medicines for infections, depression or mental illness, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, or seizures.

Make sure to tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• indomethacin.

This list is not exhaustive, and many other drugs may influence vasopressin. This includes both prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are mentioned here.