Skip to content
For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not a drug, food, or dietary supplement.
AMIRAVOResearch Library
Hormonal

Vasopressin

Also known as Arginine vasopressin (AVP) · Argipressin · 8-L-arginine vasopressin · Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) · Vasostrict · Vasopressin injection, USP

FDA-approvedAHuman trial evidenceWhat this means

Vasopressin (8-L-arginine vasopressin) is a nine-residue cyclic peptide hormone that the FDA has approved as Vasostrict, an intravenous infusion to raise blood pressure in adults with vasodilatory shock who remain hypotensive despite fluids and catecholamines.

US status
FDA-approved
Evidence
Grade A
Half-life
Apparent half-life of 10 minutes or less at infusion rates used in vasodilatory shock (0.01 to 0.1 units/minute); clearance increases up to about 5-fold by term in pregnancy because of placental vasopressinase 1.
Class
Neurohypophyseal nonapeptide hormone (V1/V2 receptor agonist)
More
Log a sample
Dosing referenceCycle-length evidence
Unbranded reference vial illustrating Vasopressin; not an actual product
Research reference, not advice. Label quotes, not a recommendation. Amiravo sells nothing; some links are referrals.Read the full notice

Key takeaways

  • Vasopressin is a cyclic nine-residue peptide hormone; Vasostrict is FDA-approved only as an intravenous infusion to raise blood pressure in adults with vasodilatory shock unresponsive to fluids and catecholamines 1.
  • It acts on V1 receptors to constrict blood vessels and on V2 receptors to reduce water excretion; at pressor doses it also acts at V3 receptors releasing ACTH and prolactin 1.
  • In septic-shock trials in humans, vasopressin did not lower 28-day mortality versus norepinephrine (VASST) or increase kidney-failure-free days (VANISH) 2,3.
  • Label warnings are worsening cardiac function and reversible diabetes insipidus after stopping; literature-reported reactions include ischemia of the gut, digits and heart, hyponatremia and arrhythmias 1.
  • Vasopressin is not named in the 2026 Prohibited List text reviewed, while its analog desmopressin is listed under S5 as a masking agent 4.

Development stage

Where Vasopressin sits between laboratory work and regulatory approval.

  1. Preclinical
  2. Phase 1
  3. Phase 2
  4. Phase 3
  5. Approved (current)

Stage comes from the regulatory record and ClinicalTrials.gov studies naming the compound (for compounds approved nowhere, only completed trials or trials with posted results count) (checked 2026-10-24). A registered trial is not a result.

Mechanism of action

Vasopressin binds V1 receptors on vascular smooth muscle, coupled to the Gq/11-phospholipase C pathway, releasing intracellular calcium and causing vasoconstriction; it stimulates antidiuresis via adenylyl-cyclase-coupled V2 receptors 1.

Pharmacodynamics (label)

  • Constricts splanchnic, renal and cutaneous beds; can also cause vasodilation in some beds via V2, V3, oxytocin and P2 receptors 1.
  • In vasodilatory shock it raises systemic vascular resistance and mean arterial pressure and reduces norepinephrine requirement; it tends to lower heart rate and cardiac output 1.
  • The pressor effect peaks within 15 minutes and fades within 20 minutes of stopping; no tachyphylaxis is described 1.

Elimination

It is cleaved by serine protease, carboxypeptidase and disulfide oxido-reductase, with about 6% excreted unchanged in urine 1.

Molecular structure

PubChem CID 644077 ↗
2D chemical structure of Vasopressin

2D depiction generated from the PubChem record. Depictions are schematic and do not show salt form, counter-ions or conformation.

Formula
C46H65N15O12S2
Molecular weight
1084.2 g/mol
CAS
113-79-1
InChIKey
KBZOIRJILGZLEJ-LGYYRGKSSA-N

Research overview

Human research

The label cites blood-pressure increases in 7 septic-shock and 8 post-cardiotomy shock studies 1. VASST randomized 778 adults with septic shock to low-dose vasopressin or norepinephrine 2; VANISH randomized 409 adults in a 2x2 design with hydrocortisone 3.

Animal research

The label states no toxicology studies were conducted and that in mice vasopressin has been reported to affect sperm function and fertilizing ability 1.

In-vitro research

Vasopressin was negative in the Ames test and the CHO cell chromosome aberration test 1.

Key studies

  1. Russell et al., N Engl J Med (VASST) (2008)
    Multicenter, randomized, double-blind
    Model: Humans (778 adults with septic shock on norepinephrine)

    28-day mortality 35.4% versus 39.3% (P = 0.26); serious adverse events 10.3% versus 10.5%; lower mortality in the less-severe stratum (26.5% vs 35.7%, P = 0.05) without significant heterogeneity 2.

  2. Gordon et al., JAMA (VANISH) (2016)
    Factorial 2x2, double-blind, randomized, 18 UK ICUs
    Model: Humans (409 adults with septic shock)

    Survivors without kidney failure 57.0% versus 59.2% with norepinephrine; less renal replacement therapy with vasopressin (25.4% vs 35.3%); no significant mortality difference 3.

  3. Vasostrict prescribing information, Section 14 (2026)
    Summary of published clinical studies
    Model: Humans (septic and post-cardiotomy vasodilatory shock)

    Increases in systolic and mean blood pressure were observed in 7 septic-shock and 8 post-cardiotomy studies 1.

Dosing as stated on the FDA label

Quoted from the prescribing information for reference. Prescribing decisions belong to a licensed clinician; this is not a recommendation or instruction for use.

Full dosing reference, study durations and vial arithmetic →
  • Post-cardiotomy shock (Vasostrict): initial 0.03 units/minute intravenously; labeled range 0.03 to 0.1 units/minute 1.
  • Septic shock (Vasostrict): initial 0.01 units/minute intravenously; labeled range 0.01 to 0.07 units/minute 1.
  • The label advises titrating up by 0.005 units/minute at 10- to 15-minute intervals to target blood pressure, notes limited data above 0.1 (post-cardiotomy) and 0.07 (septic) units/minute, and, after 8 hours at target without catecholamines, tapering by 0.005 units/minute every hour as tolerated 1.
  • Vial contents of 20 units/mL are diluted to 0.1 or 1 unit/mL before intravenous use; the premixed 50 mL and 100 mL presentations do not require dilution. Preparation details are in the label and not reproduced here 1.

Published adverse-event data

Reported in the cited trials or product labels. Frequencies apply to the stated population and do not transfer to other settings.

  • Decreased cardiac index / worsening cardiac function
    Not quantified (label warning)
    Adults with vasodilatory shock 1 · Warning-level
  • Reversible diabetes insipidus after discontinuation
    Postmarketing; not quantified
    Same 1 · Polyuria, dilute urine, hypernatremia; may need desmopressin
  • Mesenteric, digital, skin and myocardial ischemia
    Literature reports; frequency cannot be estimated
    Same 1 · Can be serious
  • Bradycardia, atrial fibrillation, right heart failure
    Literature reports; frequency cannot be estimated
    Same 1 · Not graded
  • Hyponatremia, decreased platelets, increased bilirubin, acute renal insufficiency
    Literature reports; frequency cannot be estimated
    Same 1 · Not graded
  • Serious adverse events (trial)
    10.3% vasopressin versus 10.5% norepinephrine
    VASST, 778 adults with septic shock 2 · As reported

Emerging safety signals

  • Vasostrict may produce tonic uterine contractions that could threaten continuation of pregnancy, and pregnancy increases vasopressin clearance up to about 5-fold at term 1. 1 (2026)
  • Indomethacin more than doubles the time to offset of vasopressin's effects, and ganglionic blockers can increase its pressor effect 1. 1 (2026)

What is not known: Clinical studies did not include enough people aged 65 and over to assess differences in response, and there are limited data above 0.1 units/minute (post-cardiotomy) or 0.07 units/minute (septic shock) 1. Whether vasopressin changes survival in septic shock was not shown in VASST or VANISH 2,3.

Background viewing

We haven't found a clinician video focused on Vasopressin yet. Meanwhile, this widely watched talk covers the science of aging in general. It does not discuss Vasopressin.

David Sinclair, PhD (Harvard Medical School) on the biology of aging
The Diary Of A CEO · 6.9M views · 2026

These creators are not affiliated with Amiravo and do not endorse Amiravo or any product linked on this site. Nothing here is medical advice. Video views counted on YouTube as of Oct 24, 2026.

Regulatory status

Status
FDA-approved as Vasostrict (initial U.S. approval 2014) to increase blood pressure in adults with vasodilatory shock who remain hypotensive despite fluids and catecholamines; label reviewed from the May 20, 2026 DailyMed version 1.
United States (FDA)
FDA-approved as Vasostrict (initial U.S. approval 2014) for vasodilatory shock; label current in DailyMed as of May 20, 2026 1.
Sport (WADA)
Vasopressin is not named in the 2026 Prohibited List text reviewed; desmopressin, a vasopressin analog, is listed under S5 (diuretics and masking agents), and S5 also covers substances with similar chemical structure or biological effect, so status should be confirmed with the relevant anti-doping organization 4.

Status varies by country and changes over time. How we describe regulatory status.

Quality and testing notes

Approved vasopressin is labeled by activity (one mg is equivalent to 530 units per the label) and identity is defined as the 1-6 disulfide-cyclized nonapeptide amide C46H65N15O12S2 (MW 1084.23) [1].

How purity testing works · Reading a certificate of analysis

Check a Vasopressin certificate of analysis against its expected mass (1,084.2 Da)

Storage and handling

Follow the current Vasostrict label for vial storage; the label allows unopened vials up to 12 months at room temperature after removal from refrigeration, within the labeled shelf life, and sets discard times for diluted solutions [1].

Frequently asked questions

What is vasopressin approved for?
Vasostrict is approved to increase blood pressure in adults with vasodilatory shock who remain hypotensive despite fluids and catecholamines 1.
How does vasopressin raise blood pressure?
By binding V1 receptors on vascular smooth muscle, which releases intracellular calcium and causes vasoconstriction 1.
Is vasopressin the same as antidiuretic hormone?
Yes; at low concentrations it acts as the antidiuretic hormone via renal V2 receptors 1.
Did vasopressin reduce deaths in septic shock trials?
VASST found no significant difference in 28-day mortality versus norepinephrine (35.4% vs 39.3%) 2.
How long does it act?
The apparent half-life is 10 minutes or less at shock infusion rates; the pressor effect fades within 20 minutes of stopping 1.
What happens when the infusion stops?
Some patients develop reversible diabetes insipidus, so the label advises monitoring electrolytes, fluid status and urine output 1.
Is vasopressin banned in sport?
It is not named in the 2026 list text reviewed; its analog desmopressin is listed as a masking agent under S5 4.

Latest indexed research

No new studies were filed in the last sweep.

Search all studies on Vasopressin (PubMed, Europe PMC, ClinicalTrials.gov)

Listed by publication type from the index record. Inclusion is not an endorsement; open the source to read the findings.

Revision history

Meaningful changes to this entry, with dates and sources. Last reviewed Oct 24, 2026. Typo and layout fixes are not listed.

  • New section· entryOct 24, 2026

    New research reference added: Vasopressin.

Last reviewed October 24, 2026 by the Amiravo editorial team.

Read our editorial policy · Report an error on this page

Need the math?

Laboratory arithmetic with every formula shown.

For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not a drug, food, or dietary supplement. This page is educational and is not medical advice.

Unbranded reference vial illustrating Vasopressin; not an actual product

Unbranded reference image. Amiravo does not produce, supply or sell this compound.

Specifications

Molecular formula
C46H65N15O12S2
Molecular weight
1,084.2 g/mol
CAS number
113-79-1
PubChem CID
644077
FDA UNII
Y4907O6MFD
ChEMBL
CHEMBL373742
Sequence
Cys-Tyr-Phe-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Arg-Gly-NH2 (disulfide Cys1-Cys6)
Type
Single compound

Identifiers from PubChem. Verify against the supplier’s documentation for your lot.

Research stats

How much has been published, not how good it is.

PubMed records
38,095
Indexed as human research
15,138
Animal-only research
20,005
Randomized controlled trials
916
Registered trials
434
Trials with posted results
70
FDA adverse-event reports (FAERS)
4,677
NIH-funded projects naming it
6,325
2006: 7592007: 6912008: 8002009: 6782010: 7132011: 6772012: 6942013: 6712014: 7262015: 7272016: 7262017: 6812018: 6482019: 7012020: 6692021: 6932022: 6352023: 5982024: 5952025: 7272026: 66920062026
PubMed records per year (current year is partial).

Counts from title/abstract searches of PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, openFDA and NIH RePORTER, checked 2026-10-24. Names shared with other substances can inflate counts. FAERS reports are spontaneous and do not establish cause. Funding shows interest, not evidence. Method

Follow Vasopressin

See every new citation, evidence-grade or status change and correction in My Research, with optional email alerts. Free account.