Vasopressin Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Brand names: Pitressin, Vasostrict

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 5, 2023.

Vasopressin Pregnancy Warnings

Animal studies are not available. Due to increased clearance of this drug in the second and third trimester, IV doses may need to be up-titrated to doses exceeding 0.1 units/min in post-cardiotomy shock and 0.07 units/min in septic shock. This drug may produce tonic uterine contractions that could threaten continuation of pregnancy. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.

AU TGA pregnancy category B2: Drugs which have been taken by only a limited number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the human fetus having been observed. Studies in animals are inadequate or may be lacking, but available data show no evidence of an increased occurrence of fetal damage.

US FDA pregnancy category Not Assigned: The US FDA has amended the pregnancy labeling rule for prescription drug products to require labeling that includes a summary of risk, a discussion of the data supporting that summary, and relevant information to help health care providers make prescribing decisions and counsel women about the use of drugs during pregnancy. Pregnancy categories A, B, C, D, and X are being phased out.

Safety has not been established during pregnancy. Use is not recommended unless clearly needed.

AU TGA pregnancy category: B2
US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned

Risk Summary: There are no available data on the use of this drug in pregnant women to inform a drug associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes.

See references

Vasopressin Breastfeeding Warnings

Caution is recommended.

Excreted into human milk: Unknown
Excreted into animal milk: Data not available

Comments:
-No information is available on clinical use of this drug during breastfeeding, however, a derivative, desmopressin, results in only small increases in milk arginine vasopressin levels.
-Because this drug is not orally absorbed, it is unlikely to adversely affect a breastfed infant.
-Consider advising a breastfeeding woman to pump and discard breast milk for 1.5 hours after receiving this drug to minimize potential exposure.

See references

Further information

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