Pitressin (Injection)
Generic name:vasopressin (injection route) [ vay-soe-PRES-in ]
Drug class:Antidiuretic hormones
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 25, 2022.
The Pitressin brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. If generic versions of this product have been approved by the FDA, there may be generic equivalents available.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Pitressin
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Endocrine-Metabolic Agent
Pharmacologic Class: Vasopressin (class)
Uses for Pitressin
Vasopressin injection is used to control the frequent urination, increased thirst, and loss of water caused by diabetes insipidus. This is a condition that causes the body to lose too much water and become dehydrated. Vasopressin injection is also used to prevent and treat abdominal or stomach distension that occurs after surgery. It is also used in abdominal or stomach roentgenography.
Vasopressin injection is also used to increase blood pressure in adults with vasodilatory shock (eg, post-cardiotomy, sepsis) who remain to have low blood pressure after receiving fluids and medicines.
Vasopressin is a hormone that is produced in the body. It acts on the kidneys to reduce the flow of urine.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using Pitressin
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of Vasostrict® in children with vasodilatory shock. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of Pitressin® in children with diabetes insipidus and abdominal distension.
Geriatric
Although appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of Vasostrict® have not been performed in the geriatric population, no geriatric-specific problems have been documented to date. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney, liver, or heart problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving Vasostrict®.
No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of Pitressin® in geriatric patients.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
