Vasopressin, ADH injection

What is this medication?

VASOPRESSIN (vas oh PRES in) is a hormone that is normally made in the body. This medicine acts to lower the amount of urine that is made and to constrict small blood vessels. It is used to treat diabetes insipidus. It is also used to reduce stomach bloat for some procedures and after some surgeries.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Pitressin, Vasostrict

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•blood vessel disease

•heart disease

•an unusual or allergic reaction to vasopressin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is for injection under the skin or into a muscle. You will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

•alcohol

•carbamazepine

•chlorpropamide

•clofibrate

•demeclocycline

•fludrocortisone

•heparin

•lithium

•medicines for depression, pain, or sleep like amitriptyline, desipramine, doxepin

•norepinephrine

•urea

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

Drink 1 or 2 glasses of water when you get a dose of this medicine to prevent or reduce nausea, cramps, and pale areas of skin. These side effects usually last only a few minutes. Be aware that too much water in the body may be dangerous. Ask your doctor or health care professional how much fluid to drink everyday.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

•breathing problems

•chest pain

•cold, discolored hands or feet

•confusion

•feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

•irregular heartbeat

•listless

•pain or redness at site where injected

•rapid weight gain

•seizure

•trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

•unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•headache

•nausea, vomiting

•pale areas of skin

•stomach cramps or gas

•sweating

•trembling

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.