Vasopressin
Posterior pituitary hormone; vasopressor and diabetes insipidus.
What it is
Vasopressin (Pitressin, Vasostrict) is the endogenous nine-amino-acid posterior pituitary hormone with effects on water reabsorption and vascular tone. Synthetic vasopressin is FDA-approved for diabetes insipidus and as a vasopressor for vasodilatory shock.
Mechanism of action
V1 receptor activation in vascular smooth muscle produces vasoconstriction. V2 receptor activation in renal collecting ducts increases water reabsorption (the antidiuretic effect that gave vasopressin its alternate name “antidiuretic hormone” or ADH).
Approved indications
- Diabetes insipidus (water balance disorder)
- Vasodilatory shock as vasopressor (ICU use)
- Other off-label hospital uses
Why this is out of scope at The Tide
Vasopressin is a specialty hospital medication used in critical care and endocrinology. Diabetes insipidus is appropriately managed by endocrinology. Vasopressor use is ICU-only. Not appropriate for outpatient peptide clinic.
Where to learn more
Endocrinology (diabetes insipidus) or critical care (vasopressor use).