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Vasopressin
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC Directory| Ingredient | Strength | RxCUI | Monograph |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vasopressin | 20 [USP'U]/mL | 2103182 | View |
Forms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Decreased Diuresis [PE] | PE | 4 members — no class page |
| Vasoconstriction [PE] | PE | 6 members — no class page |
| Vasopressins [CS] | CS | All 10 members |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 212593-001 | VASOPRESSIN | SOLUTION | VASOPRESSIN | Prescription | — | RLD RS | |
| 212593-002 | VASOPRESSIN | SOLUTION | VASOPRESSIN | Prescription | — | RLD RS |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookCodes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original application | 1 | Type 5 - New Formulation or New Manufacturer | Approved | August 3, 2020 | Standard |
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20250227). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Vasopressin injection is indicated to increase blood pressure in adults with vasodilatory shock who remain hypotensive despite fluids and catecholamines. • Vasopressin injection is indicated to increase blood pressure in adults with vasodilatory shock who remain hypotensive despite fluids and catecholamines. ( 1 )
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Dilute vasopressin injection with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection or 5% Dextrose Injection to either 0.1 units/mL or 1 unit/mL for intravenous administration. Discard unused diluted solution after 18 hours at room temperature or 24 hours under refrigeration. ( 2.1 ) Post-cardiotomy shock: 0.03 units/minute to 0.1 units/minute. ( 2.2 ) Septic shock: 0.01 units/minute to 0.07 units/minute. ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Preparation of Diluted Solutions Inspect parenteral drug products for particulate matter and discoloration prior to use, whenever solution and container permit. Vasopressin Injection Solution for Dilution, 20 units/mL and 200 units/10 mL (20 units/mL). Dilute vasopressin injection in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection or 5% Dextrose Injection prior to use for intravenous infusion. (See Table 1). Discard unused diluted solution after 18 hours at room temperature or 24 hours under refrigeration. Table 1 Preparation of diluted solutions Fluid restriction? Final concentration Mix Vasopressin Injection Diluent No 0.1 units/mL 2.5 mL (50 units) 500 mL Yes 1 unit/mL 5 mL (100 units) 100 mL 2.2 Administration In general, titrate to the lowest dose compatible with a clinically acceptable response. The recommended starting dose is: Post-cardiotomy shock : 0.03 units/minute Septic Shock: 0.01 units/minute Titrate up by 0.005 units/minute at 10- to 15-minute intervals until the target blood pressure is reached. There are limited data for doses above 0.1 units/minute for post-cardiotomy shock and 0.07 units/minute for septic shock. Adverse reactions are expected to increase with higher doses. After target blood pressure has been maintained for 8 hours without the use of catecholamines, taper vasopressin injection by 0.005 units/minute every hour as tolerated to maintain target blood pressure.
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Vasopressin injection, USP is a clear, practically colorless solution for intravenous administration available as 20 units/mL in a single-dose vial and 200 units/10 mL (20 units/mL) in a multiple-dose vial. Injection: 20 units/ mL in a single-dose vial and 200 units/10 mL (20 units/mL) in a multiple-dose vial. ( 3 )
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Vasopressin injection 1 mL single dose vial does not contain chlorobutanol and is therefore contraindicated only in patients with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to 8-L-arginine vasopressin. • Vasopressin injection 1 mL single dose vial does not contain chlorobutanol and is therefore contraindicated only in patients with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to 8-L-arginine vasopressin. ( 4 )
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Can worsen cardiac function. ( 5.1 ) • Reversible diabetes insipidus ( 5.2 ) 5.1 Worsening Cardiac Function A decrease in cardiac index may be observed with the use of vasopressin. 5.2 Reversible Diabetes Insipidus Patients may experience reversible diabetes insipidus, manifested by the development of polyuria, a dilute urine, and hypernatremia, after cessation of treatment with vasopressin. Monitor serum electrolytes, fluid status and urine output after vasopressin discontinuation. Some patients may require readministration of vasopressin or administration of desmopressin to correct fluid and electrolyte shifts.
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions associated with the use of vasopressin were identified in the literature. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not possible to estimate their frequency reliably or to establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Bleeding/lymphatic system disorders: Hemorrhagic shock, decreased platelets, intractable bleeding Cardiac disorders: Right heart failure, atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, myocardial ischemia Gastrointestinal disorders: Mesenteric ischemia Hepatobiliary: Increased bilirubin levels Renal/urinary disorders: Acute renal insufficiency Vascular disorders: Distal limb ischemia Metabolic: Hyponatremia Skin: Ischemic lesions Postmarketing Experience Reversible diabetes insipidus [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . The most common adverse reactions include decreased cardiac output, bradycardia, tachyarrhythmias, hyponatremia and ischemia (coronary, mesenteric, skin, digital). ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC at 1-800-551-7176 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug Labeling7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Pressor effects of catecholamines and vasopressin injection are expected to be additive. ( 7.1 ) Indomethacin may prolong effects of vasopressin injection. ( 7.2 ) Co-administration of ganglionic blockers or drugs causing SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion) may increase the pressor response. ( 7.3 , 7.4 ) Co-administration of drugs causing diabetes insipidus may decrease the pressor response. ( 7.5 ) 7.1 Catecholamines Use with catecholamines is expected to result in an additive effect on mean arterial blood pressure and other hemodynamic parameters. Hemodynamic monitoring is recommended; adjust the dose of vasopressin as needed. 7.2 Indomethacin Use with indomethacin may prolong the effect of vasopressin injection on cardiac index and systemic vascular resistance. Hemodynamic monitoring is recommended; adjust the dose of vasopressin as needed [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. 7.3 Ganglionic Blocking Agents Use with ganglionic blocking agents may increase the effect of vasopressin injection on mean arterial blood pressure. Hemodynamic monitoring is recommended; adjust the dose of vasopressin as needed [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. 7.4 Drugs Suspected of Causing SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion) Use with drugs suspected of causing SIADH (e.g., SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, haloperidol, chlorpropamide, enalapril, methyldopa, pentamidine, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, felbamate) may increase the pressor effect in addition to the antidiuretic effect of vasopressin injection. Hemodynamic monitoring is recommended; adjust the dose of vasopressin as needed. 7.5 Drugs Suspected of Causing Diabetes Insipidus Use with drugs suspected of causing diabetes insipidus (e.g., demeclocycline, lithium, foscarnet, clozapine) may decrease the pressor effect in addition to the antidiuretic effect of vasopressin injection. Hemodynamic monitoring is recommended; adjust the dose of vasopressin as needed.
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Pregnancy: May induce tonic uterine contractions. ( 8.1 ) Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness have not been established. ( 8.4 ) Geriatric Use: No safety issues have been identified in older patients. ( 8.5 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no available data on vasopressin injection use in pregnant women to inform a drug associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with vasopressin. Clinical Considerations Dose Adjustments during Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period Because of increased clearance of vasopressin in the second and third trimester, the dose of vasopressin injection may need to be increased [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Maternal adverse reactions Vasopressin injection may produce tonic uterine contractions. Vasopressin receptors are present in human uterine muscles and might not be distinguishable from oxytocin receptors. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of vasopressin injection in either human or animal milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. 8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of vasopressin injection in pediatric patients with vasodilatory shock have not been established. 8.5 Geriatric Use Clinical studies of vasopressin did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.2 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6 ), and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] .
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action Vasopressin causes vasoconstriction by binding to V 1 receptors on vascular smooth muscle coupled to the Gq/1 1-phospholipase C-phosphatidyl-inositol-triphosphate pathway, resulting in the release of intracellular calcium. In addition, vasopressin stimulates antidiuresis via stimulation of V 2 receptors which are coupled to adenyl cyclase.
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION Vasopressin is a polypeptide hormone. Vasopressin Injection, USP is a sterile, aqueous solution of synthetic arginine vasopressin for intravenous administration. The 1 mL solution contains vasopressin 20 units per mL, 1.36 mg sodium acetate buffer and Water for Injection, USP. Sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid are included to adjust to a pH of 3.3 to 3.6. The chemical name of vasopressin is Cyclo (1-6) L-Cysteinyl-L-Tyrosyl-L-Phenylalanyl-L-Glutaminyl-L-Asparaginyl-L-Cysteinyl-L-Prolyl-L-Arginyl-L-Glycinamide. It is a white to off-white powder/flakes, very soluble in water. The structural formula is: Molecular Formula: C 46 H 65 N 15 O 12 S 2 Molecular Weight: 1084.24 One mg is equivalent to 530 units. Structural Formula
Overdosage
openFDA Drug Labeling10 OVERDOSAGE Overdosage with vasopressin injection can be expected to manifest as consequences of vasoconstriction of various vascular beds (peripheral, mesenteric, and coronary) and as hyponatremia. In addition, overdosage may lead less commonly to ventricular tachyarrhythmias (including Torsade de Pointes), rhabdomyolysis, and non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms. Direct effects will resolve within minutes of withdrawal of treatment.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Vasopressin injection, USP is a clear, practically colorless solution for intravenous administration available as: NDC 0517-1020-25: A carton of 25 single-dose vials each containing vasopressin 20 units/mL. 1 mL Vial : Storage is permitted for up to 12 months at controlled room temperature (USP) 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) within the expiry date. Once removed from refrigeration, mark the unopened vial with the revised 12-month expiration date. Do not return Vasopressin to the refrigerator after it has been stored at room temperature. Discard the product after 12 months at room temperature or at the expiry date, whichever is earlier. Store refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C (36°F and 46°F). Do not freeze. The storage conditions and expiration periods (for the 1 mL vial) are summarized in Table 2. Table 2 Unopened Refrigerated 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) Unopened Room Temperature 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) Do not store above 25°C (77°F) Opened (After First Puncture) 1 mL Vial Until manufacturer expiration date 12 months or until manufacturer expiration date, whichever is earlier N/A NDC 0517-1030-01: A carton of one multiple-dose vial containing vasopressin 200 units/10 mL (20 units/mL). 10 mL Vial : Storage is permitted for up to 2 months at controlled room temperature (USP) 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) within the expiry date. Once removed from refrigeration, mark the unopened vial with the revised 2-month expiration date. Do not return Vasopressin to the refrigerator after it has been stored at room temperature. Discard the product after 2 months at room temperature or at the expiry date, whichever is earlier. After initial entry into the 10 mL vial, the remaining contents must be refrigerated. Discard the refrigerated 10 mL vial after 30 days after first puncture. Store refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C (36°F and 46°F). Do not freeze. The storage conditions and expiration periods (for the 10 mL vial) are summarized in Table 3. Table 3 Unopened Refrigerated 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) Unopened Room Temperature 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) Do not store above 25°C (77°F) Opened (After First Puncture) 10 mL Vial Until manufacturer expiration date 2 months or until manufacturer expiration date, whichever is earlier 30 days Distributed by: RQ1093-D AR Logo
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: VASOPRESSIN. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Recalls
Source: FDA Enforcement| Classification | Reported | Firm | Reason | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class II | May 29, 2024 | American Regent, Inc. | Subpotent product in addition to having out-of-specification results for impurities. | Terminated |
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0517-1020-25 | 0517-1020 | American Regent, Inc. | 25 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE in 1 CARTON (0517-1020-25) / 1 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE (0517-1020-01) | February 3, 2022 |
| 0517-1030-01 | 0517-1030 | American Regent, Inc. | 1 VIAL, MULTI-DOSE in 1 CARTON (0517-1030-01) / 10 mL in 1 VIAL, MULTI-DOSE | June 21, 2023 |
| 72572-860-25 | 72572-860 | Civica, Inc. | 25 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE in 1 CARTON (72572-860-25) / 1 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE | October 22, 2025 |
| 63323-930-01 | 63323-930 | Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC | 25 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE in 1 TRAY (63323-930-01) / 1 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE (63323-930-00) | May 26, 2023 |
| 65219-039-01 | 65219-039 | Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC | 25 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE in 1 TRAY (65219-039-01) / 1 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE (65219-039-00) | May 26, 2023 |
| 51662-1682-2 | 51662-1682 | HF Acquisition Co LLC, DBA HealthFirst | 1 VIAL in 1 POUCH (51662-1682-2) / 10 mL in 1 VIAL (51662-1682-1) | June 21, 2023 |
| 51662-1688-2 | 51662-1688 | HF Acquisition Co LLC, DBA HealthFirst | 1 VIAL in 1 POUCH (51662-1688-2) / 1 mL in 1 VIAL (51662-1688-1) | February 3, 2022 |
| 25021-474-01 | 25021-474 | Sagent Pharmaceuticals | 25 VIAL in 1 CARTON (25021-474-01) / 1 mL in 1 VIAL | November 15, 2024 |
| 0517-1020 | 0517-1020 | American Regent, Inc. | — | February 3, 2022 |
| 0517-1030 | 0517-1030 | American Regent, Inc. | — | June 21, 2023 |
| 72572-860 | 72572-860 | Civica, Inc. | — | October 22, 2025 |
| 63323-930 | 63323-930 | Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC | — | May 26, 2023 |
| 65219-039 | 65219-039 | Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC | — | May 26, 2023 |
| 51662-1682 | 51662-1682 | HF Acquisition Co LLC, DBA HealthFirst | — | June 21, 2023 |
| 51662-1688 | 51662-1688 | HF Acquisition Co LLC, DBA HealthFirst | — | February 3, 2022 |
| 25021-474 | 25021-474 | Sagent Pharmaceuticals | — | November 15, 2024 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
| Enforcement | FDA | Recall records |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 13 sections on this page.