Vasopressin Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 7, 2025.

Applies to vasopressin: injection solution.

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:

Incidence not known

• abdominal or stomach pain, usually after eating a meal
• agitation
• back pain
• chest pain or discomfort
• chest tightness or heaviness
• coma
• confusion
• constipation
• convulsions
• cough
• decreased urine output
• depression
• diarrhea
• difficulty with swallowing
• dilated neck veins
• dizziness
• extreme fatigue
• fainting
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• headache
• hives, itching, or rash
• hostility
• increased thirst
• irregular breathing
• irritability
• lethargy
• lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• muscle pain or cramps
• muscle twitching
• nausea or vomiting
• no blood pressure or pulse
• pain in the shoulders, arms, jaw, or neck
• pale, cool, or blotchy skin on the arms or legs
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• rapid weight gain
• restlessness
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• stopping of heart
• stupor
• sweating
• swelling of the face, ankles, fingers, feet, or lower legs
• troubled breathing
• unconsciousness
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• weak or absent pulse in the arms or legs

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:

Incidence not known

• abdominal or stomach cramps
• feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• pale skin
• passing of gas
• pounding in the head
• sensation of spinning
• shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
• sweating
• trembling or shaking of the hands or feet

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]

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