VASOPRESSIN

Vasopressin is a polypeptide hormone. Vasopressin injection USP, is a sterile, clear, practically colorless aqueous solution of synthetic arginine vasopressin for intravenous administration. The 1 mL solution contains vasopressin 20 units/mL, chlorobutanol, NF 0.5% as a preservative and Water for Injection, USP adjusted with glacial acetic acid, USP to pH 3.0 to 3.4. The chemical name of vasopressin is Cyclo (1-6) L-Cysteinyl-L-Tyrosyl-L-Phenylalanyl­-L-Glutaminyl-L-Asparaginyl-L-Cysteinyl-L-Prolyl-L-Arginyl-L-Glycinamide. It is a white to off-white amorphous powder, freely soluble in water. The structural formula is: Molecular Formula: C46H65N15O12S2 Molecular Weight: 1084.24 Daltons One mg is equivalent to 530 units. STRUCTURE

INDICATIONS & USAGE Vasopressin injection is indicated to increase blood pressure in adults with vasodilatory shock who remain hypotensive despite fluids and catecholamines.

DOSAGE & ADMINISTRTION 2.1 Preparation of Solution Inspect parenteral drug products for particulate matter and discoloration prior to use, whenever solution and container permit. Vasopressin Injection Solution for Dilution, 20 units/mL Dilute vasopressin injection in normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) or 5% dextrose in water (D5W) prior to use for intravenous administration. Discard unused diluted solution after 18 hours at room temperature or 24 hours under refrigeration. 2.2 Administration In general, titrate to the lowest dose compatible with a clinically acceptable response. The recommended starting dose is: Post-cardiotomy shock: 0.03 units/minute Septic Shock: 0.01 units/minute Titrate up by 0.005 units/minute at 10-to 15-minute intervals until the target blood pressure is reached. There are limited data for doses above 0.1 units/minute for post-cardiotomy shock and 0.07 units/minute for septic shock. Adverse reactions are expected to increase with higher doses. After target blood pressure has been maintained for 8 hours without the use of catecholamines, taper vasopressin injection by 0.005 units/minute every hour as tolerated to maintain target blood pressure. DOSAGE

Vasopressin injection is contraindicated in patients with known allergy or hypersensitivity to 8-L-arginine vasopressin or chlorobutanol.

The following adverse reactions associated with the use of vasopressin were identified in the literature. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not possible to estimate their frequency reliably or to establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Bleeding/lymphatic system disorders: Hemorrhagic shock, decreased platelets, intractable bleeding Cardiac disorders: Right heart failure, atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, myocardial ischemia Gastrointestinal disorders: Mesenteric ischemia Hepatobiliary: Increased bilirubin levels Renal/urinary disorders: Acute renal insufficiency Vascular disorders: Distal limb ischemia Metabolic: Hyponatremia Skin: Ischemic lesions Postmarketing Experience Reversible diabetes insipidus [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.2)]

7.1 Catecholamines Use with catecholamines is expected to result in an additive effect on mean arterial blood pressure and other hemodynamic parameters. Hemodynamic monitoring is recommended; adjust the dose of vasopressin as needed. 7.2 Indomethacin Use with indomethacin may prolong the effect of vasopressin on cardiac index and systemic vascular resistance. Hemodynamic monitoring is recommended; adjust the dose of vasopressin as needed [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)]. 7.3 Ganglionic Blocking Agents Use with ganglionic blocking agents may increase the effect of vasopressin on mean arterial blood pressure. Hemodynamic monitoring is recommended; adjust the dose of vasopressin as needed [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)]. 7.4 Drugs Suspected of Causing SIADH Use with drugs suspected of causing SIADH (e.g., SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, haloperidol, chlorpropamide, enalapril, methyldopa, pentamidine, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, felbamate) may increase the pressor effect in addition to the antidiuretic effect of vasopressin. Hemodynamic monitoring is recommended; adjust the dose of vasopressin as needed. 7.5 Drugs Suspected of Causing Diabetes Insipidus Use with drugs suspected of causing diabetes insipidus (e.g., demeclocycline, lithium, foscarnet, clozapine) may decrease the pressor effect in addition to the antidiuretic effect of vasopressin. Hemodynamic monitoring is recommended; adjust the dose of vasopressin as needed.