Vasopressin (Injection)

Introduction

Vasopressin (vay-soe-PRES-in)

Keeps your body from losing too much water. Used after abdominal surgery or before abdominal x-rays. Also treats Diabetes Insipidus ("water diabetes"). This medicine is a hormone.

Brand Name(s)

Pitressin

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin or into one of your muscles.
• You may be told to drink a certain amount of liquid each day while you are using this medicine. Follow these instructions carefully.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using carbamazepine (Tegretol®), fludrocortisone (Florinef®), demeclocycline (Declomycin®), lithium (Eskalith®), medicine for depression (such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, Norpramin®, Vivactil®), chlorpropamide (Diabinese®), clofibrate (Abitrate®), mecamylamine, trimethaphan, urea (Ureaphil®), or heparin.
• Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have heart disease, blood vessel disease, seizures, migraine headaches, asthma, or kidney disease.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Chest, neck, or jaw pain or tightness.
• Unusual tiredness, sleepiness, and headache.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild stomach pain, nausea, or gas.
• Pale skin.
• Sweating more than usual.