Vasopressin Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 21, 2025.

Applies to vasopressin: injection solution.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check you closely while you are receiving this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to receive it. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Vasopressin may cause allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine.

This medicine may cause reversible diabetes insipidus. Tell your doctor right away of you have an increase in urine output, dilute urine, dizziness, fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, irritability, restlessness, seizures, or swelling of the feet or lower legs.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of vasopressin

Along with its needed effects, vasopressin may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking vasopressin:

Other side effects of vasopressin

Some side effects of vasopressin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to vasopressin: injectable solution, intravenous solution.

General adverse events

Side effects were reported on a voluntary basis from a population of uncertain size and it is therefore not possible to estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Right heart failure, atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, myocardial ischemia, cardiac arrest, shock, circumoral pallor, arrhythmia, cardiac output decreased, angina, peripheral vasoconstriction, distal limb ischemia, chest pain, hypertension^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Gangrene, sweating, cutaneous gangrene, ischemic lesions, urticaria^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Mesenteric ischemia, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, gas^[Ref]

Renal

• Frequency not reported: Acute renal insufficiency^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Tremor, head pounding^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Bronchial constriction, bronchospasm^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Hemorrhagic shock, platelets decreased, intractable bleeding^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Frequency not reported: Anaphylaxis, hypersensitivity^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Rhabdomyolysis^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Water intoxication, hyponatremia, fluid retention^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Bilirubin increased^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Vertigo^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Vasopressin side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer