Vasopressin

Vasopressin is used to treat diabetes insipidus, which is caused by a lack of a naturally occurring pituitary hormone in the body. Vasopressin is also used to treat or prevent certain conditions of the stomach after surgery or during abdominal x-rays.

Introduction #

Generic name: Vasopressin

Brand names: Vasostrict, Pitressin

Dosage forms: injectable solution (20 units/mL); intravenous solution (1 unit/mL-D5%; 20 units/100 mL-D5%; 20 units/mL)

Drug class: Antidiuretic hormones

Uses #

Bleeding esophageal varices

Diabetes insipidus

Low blood pressure

Benefits #

In Bleeding esophageal varices

Esophageal varices develop when normal blood flow to the liver is blocked by a clot or scar tissue in the liver. Petresin 20IU Injection helps to reduce blood flow by narrowing the blood vessels and helps reduce and stop bleeding. It is given as an injection by a doctor or a nurse and should not be self-administered. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get maximum benefit.

In Diabetes insipidus

Petresin 20IU Injection contains a hormone vasopressin, that acts on the kidneys and reduces the frequency and amount of urine produced by the kidneys. Thus, it brings about rapid action of controlling thirst and also reduces the urge to urinate often. This helps to manage these symptoms in diabetes insipidus and improves your quality of life.

In Low blood pressure

Petresin 20IU Injection is used to relieve low blood pressure which may occur due to sudden change in posture from lying to sitting or standing up, during an operation or after an injury. This medicine helps to bring back the blood pressure within normal range and therefore prevents any sudden fall or even serious complications that might have otherwise followed due to low blood pressure.

Directions for use #

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

How it works? #

Petresin 20IU Injection have the same structure as that of the natural hormone vasopressin. Vasopressin lowers the amount of urine and bleeding by constricting (narrowing) the blood vessels which, in turn, prevents the loss of water from the body.

Side effects #

Tell your caregivers right away if you have:

• Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet

• Loss of color in your lips or around your mouth

• Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet, loss of feeling anywhere in your body

• Unusual skin changes (sores, tightness, discoloration, pain), especially in your lower legs or feet

• Chest pain or tightness, trouble breathing

• Slow heart rate, weak pulse, slow breathing

• Unusual bleeding

• Severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting

• Little or no urination

• Low sodium level –headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady

• Symptoms of water intoxication–severe or pounding headache, severe drowsiness, feeling very weak.

Common side effects of vasopressin may include:

• Fast or slow heartbeats

• Low sodium level

• Numbness or tingling

• Pounding in your head or ears

• Dizziness, spinning sensation

• Pale skin, numbness in your fingers or toes

• Stomach pain, gas, nausea, vomiting

• Sweating.

Warnings #

Follow your doctor’s instructions about the amount of liquids you should drink during treatment with vasopressin. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.