Vasopressin
Also known as: Pitressin, Neo-Lidocaton, Pressyn
### Information for Pet Owners * **Hospital Use Only**: Vasopressin is an injectable medication primarily used by veterinarians in a hospital setting. It is used either to diagnose specific types of excessive drinking/urination disorders (like Diabetes Insipidus) or as a life-saving emergency drug during severe shock or cardiac arrest. * **Diagnostic Testing**: If your pet is undergoing a "water deprivation test," they will be closely monitored in the hospital. Vasopressin is given at the end of the test to see if your pet's kidneys can concentrate urine in response to the hormone. * **Long-term Treatment**: While vasopressin was historically used to treat Diabetes Insipidus at home, it has largely been replaced by a safer, more convenient synthetic drop or tablet called **desmopressin (DDAVP)**. * **Safety**: Because it strongly constricts blood vessels, your veterinary team will monitor your pet's heart and blood pressure closely if it is used in an emergency.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Diagnostic agent (after water deprivation test)
- Adjunctive treatment of vasodilatory shock (unresponsive to fluids/catecholamines)
- CPCR (pulseless electrical activity or ventricular asystole)
- Diagnostic agent (Exogenous vasopressin test after water deprivation test)
- Adjunctive treatment of vasodilatory shock (unresponsive to fluids/catecholamines)
- CPCR (pulseless electrical activity or ventricular asystole)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Local irritation at the injection site
- Sterile abscesses
- Skin reactions
- Platelet aggregation
- Bilirubinemia
- Abdominal pain
- Hematuria
- Hypersensitivity (urticarial) reactions
- Water intoxication (with overdosage)
Cautions & contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to vasopressin
- Chronic nephritis until nitrogen retention is resolved to reasonable levels
- Cardiogenic shock (due to risk of myocardial ischemia)
- ### Important Warnings * **Cardiovascular Disease**: Use with extreme caution in patients with vascular disease or heart failure due to potent vasoconstrictive properties. High doses can cause myocardial ischemia. * **Other Conditions**: Use cautiously in patients with seizure disorders or asthma. * **Pregnancy**: FDA Category C. Has minimal effects on uterine contractions at usual doses, but should be used with caution in pregnant animals as animal studies have shown adverse fetal effects. * **Diagnostic Use**: The water deprivation test (WDT) is contraindicated in animals that are already dehydrated or have known renal disease.
Drug interactions
- Alcohol: May inhibit the antidiuretic activity of vasopressin
- Demeclocycline: May inhibit the antidiuretic activity of vasopressin
- Epinephrine (large doses): May inhibit the antidiuretic activity of vasopressin
- Heparin: May inhibit the antidiuretic activity of vasopressin
- Norepinephrine (large doses): May inhibit the antidiuretic activity of vasopressin
- Antidepressants, Tricyclic: May potentiate the antidiuretic effects of vasopressin
- Carbamazepine: May potentiate the antidiuretic effects of vasopressin
- Chlorpropamide: May potentiate the antidiuretic effects of vasopressin
- Clofibrate: May potentiate the antidiuretic effects of vasopressin
- Fludrocortisone: May potentiate the antidiuretic effects of vasopressin
- Phenformin: May potentiate the antidiuretic effects of vasopressin
Frequently asked questions
What is Vasopressin used for in pets?
### Information for Pet Owners * **Hospital Use Only**: Vasopressin is an injectable medication primarily used by veterinarians in a hospital setting. It is used either to diagnose specific types of excessive drinking/urination disorders (like Diabetes Insipidus) or as a life-saving emergency drug during severe shock or cardiac arrest. * **Diagnostic Testing**: If your pet is undergoing a "water deprivation test," they will be closely monitored in the hospital. Vasopressin is given at the end of the test to see if your pet's kidneys can concentrate urine in response to the hormone. * **Long-term Treatment**: While vasopressin was historically used to treat Diabetes Insipidus at home, it has largely been replaced by a safer, more convenient synthetic drop or tablet called **desmopressin (DDAVP)**. * **Safety**: Because it strongly constricts blood vessels, your veterinary team will monitor your pet's heart and blood pressure closely if it is used in an emergency.
Is Vasopressin safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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