Vasopressin / Terlipressin
Complete Research Guide
Open each section for the available evidence. Gaps are stated rather than inferred.
Overview
Vasopressin / Terlipressin is listed as cardiovascular / vasopressor.
- •Vasodilatory Shock
- •Hepatorenal Syndrome
Regulatory status: FDA-Approved Rx.
Structure & Properties
Compound: Vasopressin / Terlipressin; also known as Vasostrict, Lucassin.
Pharmacologic class: Cardiovascular / Vasopressor.
Known delivery routes: Intravenous.
Sequence, molecular weight, salt form, and excipient details are formulation-specific and are not listed unless verified by a manufacturer or laboratory COA.
How It Works
V1a receptor agonist causing vasoconstriction; V2 receptor antidiuretic action; terlipressin is a prodrug.
- •Restoration of vascular tone in shock
- •Improved renal function in HRS-1
- •Catecholamine-sparing
Human Research
Evidence grade: Clinical RCT (Phase III)
Clinical RCT (Phase III). Phase III CONFIRM (terlipressin).
Laboratory Research
Phase III CONFIRM (terlipressin)
Preclinical findings describe biological plausibility, not proven benefit in people. Animal and laboratory doses do not translate directly to human use.
Processing & Interactions
Timing and exposure
Continuous IV infusion in ICU settings for shock or HRS-1.
Potential interactions and combinations to avoid
- •Coronary artery disease without monitoring
Absorption, half-life, metabolism, and clearance can vary by formulation and route. Use prescribing information when an approved product exists.
Safety & Precautions
Known or reported risks
- •Mesenteric/digital ischemia
- •Hyponatremia
- •Cardiac arrhythmia
- •Respiratory failure in ARDS
Contraindications
- •Severe coronary artery disease
- •Hypovolemic shock untreated
- •Hyponatremia, SIADH, or excessive free-water intake
- •Coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, or Raynaud phenomenon
- •Uncontrolled hypertension or arrhythmia
- •Severe heart failure or volume overload
- •Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant therapy without physician guidance (injection-site haematoma)
- •Active skin infection, cellulitis, or lipohypertrophy at intended injection sites
- •Inability to maintain sterile technique or safe sharps disposal
- •Known hypersensitivity or prior reaction to this compound or any excipient/diluent
- •Pregnancy, attempting conception, or breastfeeding unless prescribed and monitored by a physician
- •Children and adolescents with open growth plates (unless under specialist endocrine care)
- •Active or recently treated malignancy without oncology clearance
- •Use without a confirmed diagnosis, baseline labs, and licensed clinical supervision
Unknown long-term toxicity should be assumed where controlled human data are limited. Seek urgent care for a severe or unexpected reaction.
Administration & Studied Formulations
Reference range: 0.01–0.07 units/min (IV infusion)
Frequency: Continuous IV
Cycling: ICU-only; titrated infusion, no cycling.
IV Infusion
Vasodilatory shock, HRS-1.
IV pump, diluted. ICU-only continuous infusion.
Dosing information is educational context, not a personal recommendation. Approved products must follow their label and prescriber instructions.
Applications & Related Therapies
Potentially complementary measures
- •Albumin (per CONFIRM trial for HRS-1)
Clinical use should account for diagnosis, approved alternatives, nutrition, activity, sleep, rehabilitation, current medicines, and appropriate monitoring.
Cases, Considerations & Ethics
Decision framework: establish the clinical goal, confirm evidence quality and legal status, screen contraindications and interactions, compare approved alternatives, define monitoring and stopping criteria, and use shared decision-making with a licensed clinician.
Case evidence: individual reports cannot establish safety or effectiveness and should not outweigh controlled trials.
Ethics: informed consent should distinguish established care from experimental use, disclose uncertainty and cost, avoid overstated claims, and never substitute research products for medically necessary care.
Function
Dosing
Recommended Time of Day
As directed clinically; research use is typically morning intranasal.
See “Timing & Interactions” below for full fasted/fed circumstances, what to avoid combining, and what pairs well.
Administration & Technique
Injection & Application Sites
- IV — clinician only — Antecubital vein or central line. Not for home administration.
Diagram is a general illustration, not a medical instruction. Rotate sites every injection, keep 1 in (2.5 cm) between recent sites, and avoid scars, moles, bruises and the navel area.
Cycling
ICU-only; titrated infusion, no cycling.
Timing & Interactions
- ·Coronary artery disease without monitoring
- ·Albumin (per CONFIRM trial for HRS-1)
Storage & Reconstitution
Reconstitution Calculator
1 mL = 100 units on a standard U-100 insulin syringe. Draw to the nearest 0.5 unit and confirm dosing with a clinician before injection.
Your Notes
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Benefits
- ·Restoration of vascular tone in shock
- ·Improved renal function in HRS-1
- ·Catecholamine-sparing
Risks
- ·Mesenteric/digital ischemia
- ·Hyponatremia
- ·Cardiac arrhythmia
- ·Respiratory failure in ARDS
Contraindications
- ·Severe coronary artery disease
- ·Hypovolemic shock untreated
- ·Hyponatremia, SIADH, or excessive free-water intake
- ·Coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, or Raynaud phenomenon
- ·Uncontrolled hypertension or arrhythmia
- ·Severe heart failure or volume overload
- ·Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant therapy without physician guidance (injection-site haematoma)
- ·Active skin infection, cellulitis, or lipohypertrophy at intended injection sites
- ·Inability to maintain sterile technique or safe sharps disposal
- ·Known hypersensitivity or prior reaction to this compound or any excipient/diluent
- ·Pregnancy, attempting conception, or breastfeeding unless prescribed and monitored by a physician
- ·Children and adolescents with open growth plates (unless under specialist endocrine care)
- ·Active or recently treated malignancy without oncology clearance
- ·Use without a confirmed diagnosis, baseline labs, and licensed clinical supervision
Regulatory
FDA-Approved Rx
Veterinary Use (Pets)
No established veterinary protocol for Vasopressin / Terlipressin. Consult a licensed veterinarian before considering off-label use in any species.
Full veterinary reference →Cited Works
Tap any study to open the published work.