What it means
The same hormone as antidiuretic hormonean-tee-dy-yoo-RET-ik HOR-mohnA hormone from the pituitary gland that tells the kidneys to hold on to water, making the urine more concentrated.anti- againstdiuretic making urineFull entry . As a drug, it is given by continuous IV infusion in critical care to tighten blood vessels and raise blood pressure in septic and other kinds of shock, often added to norepinephrinenor-ep-ih-NEF-rinA hormone and nerve messenger that narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure, also given as an IV drug.Full entry . It also makes the kidneys hold water. A related drug, desmopressin, is used more often for diabetes insipidusdy-uh-BEE-teez in-SIP-ih-dusA disorder of antidiuretic hormone: the body makes too little of it, or the kidneys do not respond to it.Full entry .
For the nurse
Give on a pump, ideally through a central line, with continuous heart and blood pressure monitoring. Watch urine output, sodium and the IV site, and watch fingers and toes for poor blood flow. IV vasopressin is on the ISMP high-alert list. Its name is confused with desmopressin and oxytocin.
At a glance
| Drug class | vasopressor; antidiuretic hormone |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Vasostrict |
| Spanish | vasopresina |
| Also written | Vasostrict |
Easy to confuse with
oxytocin
A hormone that makes the uterus contract and releases breast milk; also given by IV to start or strengthen labor and control bleeding after birth.
Related terms
hypotension
Blood pressure lower than normal, generally below 90/60 mm Hg in an adult.
sepsis
A severe whole-body response to an infection that damages the body's own organs.
norepinephrine
A hormone and nerve messenger that narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure, also given as an IV drug.
diabetes insipidus
A disorder of antidiuretic hormone: the body makes too little of it, or the kidneys do not respond to it.
antidiuretic hormone
A hormone from the pituitary gland that tells the kidneys to hold on to water, making the urine more concentrated.