A to Z / Approved medicine
Vasopressin
Also known as Vasostrict, antidiuretic hormone, ADH.
Best known for The critical care vasopressor
Evidence★★★★★
Safety dataWell characterised
Route intravenous infusion in hospital settings
United StatesFDA approved
AustraliaSchedule 4: prescription only
as at 16 September 2026
What it is and what it does
Vasopressin is the natural antidiuretic hormone, and an approved medicine. In hospital settings it is used to raise blood pressure in vasodilatory shock, and to manage diabetes insipidus.
What the full entry covers
The book carries the rest of this entry:
- Where the research stands, with every claim cited
- What people commonly ask, and what the research shows so far
- Dosing in four labelled bands, described and not recommended
- Side effects, serious risks, cautions and interactions
- Questions to discuss with your doctor
- How it compares with Desmopressin, Oxytocin
Related entries
A certificate of analysis tells you what is in a vial. The evidence rating above tells you whether the compound has been shown to work in humans. Neither answers the other's question. How to read a certificate of analysis.
This page describes what is known and not known about Vasopressin. It is not medical advice and not a recommendation to use it.