Vasopressinis a naturally occurring hormone produced by a part of the brain known as the hypothalamus.
Vasostrict is administered by injection, typically in a hospital or clinical setting.
Sometimes, people with vasopressin deficiency self-administer it.
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Vasopressin is released as needed to keep key organ systems stable and balanced.
Its mechanism of actionmeaning the way it acts on the bodyvaries by the organ system.
If fluid levels become low, the blood will become more concentrated.
In response, the pituitary gland secretes vasopressin, causing thekidneysto reabsorb water and return it to circulation.
Vasopressin does so by increasing the permeability (porousness) ofrenal tubules.
The remaining fluid and waste are excreted in the form of urine.
By increasing permeability, vasopressin can return the tonicity of body fluids to normal.
By decreasing the internal volume of blood vessels, blood pressure can rise back tonormal levels.
Vasopressin also influences blood pressure by keeping the volume of water in your blood consistent.
The modulating effect of vasopressin can help keep blood pressure from fluctuating excessively.
Chief among these is the body’ssleep-wake cycle.
This seems especially true in males.
Persistently high levels of vasopressin are associated with an increased risk of diabetes.
Normal vs. Abnormal Vasopressin Release
The underproduction or overproduction of vasopressin can have serious health consequences.
Chief among these is the disruption ofsodiumlevels in the blood.
Persistently high vasopressin levels can also increase insulin production.
Over time, this can reduce the body’s sensitivity to insulin, resulting inglucose intoleranceandtype 2 diabetes.
Vasostrict has one approved use: treating vasodilatory shock.
If not treated aggressively, vasodilatory shock can lead to multi-organ failure and death.
Off-Label Uses
Vasostrict has many off-label uses (applications not licensed by the FDA).
These include managing vasopressin deficiency and treating or preventing severe bleeding conditions.
DDVAP is currently licensed to treat central diabetes insipidus, hemophilia, and von Willebrand disease.
Given that the drug is frequently used in emergencies, the benefits tend to outweigh the risks.
If used for the management of AVD, speak with a specialist to make an informed choice.
Tapering the dose after the blood pressure is normalized may help reduce the risk.
Its safety in children, nursing babies, and older adults has also not been established.
Summary
Vasopressin is a hormone that the hypothalamus produces and the pituitary gland secretes.
It slows down urine output and causes blood vessels to constrict.
It also influences behaviors and emotions like fear, vigilance, and love.
Vasopressin is also manufactured as an injectable drug called Vasostrict, which can treat vasodilatory shock.
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