argipressin acetate at a glance
Medicine class
Vasopressin and analogue; antidiuretic and vasoconstrictor.
Licensed uses
Non-nephrogenic diabetes insipidus and control of oesophageal variceal bleeding.
Administration
Given by a healthcare professional by subcutaneous, intramuscular or intravenous injection, depending on the indication.
Key safety issue
Excess water retention and reduced blood flow to the heart or limbs require prompt recognition.
What is argipressin acetate used for?
The selected UK product is licensed for:
Diabetes insipidus that is not caused by kidney resistance to antidiuretic hormone.
Control of bleeding from enlarged veins in the oesophagus.
In specialist intensive care, vasopressin is also studied and used as a vasopressor in septic shock; this is a non-licensed context and may risk digital or peripheral ischaemia.
How does argipressin acetate work?
In the kidneys, argipressin increases water reabsorption, reducing excessive urine production. It also contracts vascular smooth muscle, particularly in smaller blood vessels. This can reduce blood flow through bleeding oesophageal varices, but may also cause harmful ischaemia.
How to take argipressin acetate
Argipressin is administered by a healthcare professional, usually in hospital. The route depends on why it is being used. Ampoules are for single use and any remainder is discarded.
Do not drink alcohol before receiving argipressin because alcohol may reduce its antidiuretic effect.
Tell the team if you feel dizzy after administration. Do not drive or operate machinery until this has resolved.
argipressin acetate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Reported effects, with frequency not known, include headache, dizziness, tremor, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort and flatulence.
- Fluid retention, sweating, pallor, raised blood pressure, wheezing or hives may occur.
Get urgent medical advice
- Water intoxication or excessive fluid retention, which may progress from headache, drowsiness or listlessness to confusion, seizures or coma.
- Anaphylaxis, including sudden wheezing, breathing difficulty, facial or lip swelling, or widespread rash and itching.
- Chest pain, cardiac arrest, or signs of reduced peripheral blood flow such as pain, pallor, numbness or darkening tissue.
- Bronchospasm or severe hypertension.
argipressin acetate in pregnancy
Pregnancy data are limited, and an effect that can stimulate uterine contraction has been reported in the third trimester. Use should be avoided where possible and considered only after a prescriber or specialist weighs the expected benefit against potential fetal risk.
argipressin acetate while breastfeeding
Argipressin has been given to breastfeeding women without an apparent adverse effect in infants, but evidence is limited. The prescriber should assess the clinical need and discuss uncertainties with the mother.
argipressin acetate interactions
Tell the clinical team about all prescribed, non-prescribed and recreational substances. Important interactions include:
Carbamazepine, chlorpropamide, clofibrate, fludrocortisone, urea and tricyclic antidepressants
These may strengthen the antidiuretic effect, increasing concern about excessive water retention.
Demeclocycline, lithium, heparin, noradrenaline and alcohol
These may weaken the antidiuretic effect and alter the clinical response.
Ganglion-blocking medicines
These may markedly increase sensitivity to argipressin's blood-pressure-raising effect.
Common questions about argipressin acetate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is argipressin acetate the same as vasopressin?
Argipressin is the human form of vasopressin; argipressin acetate is the acetate salt used in the injection.
Which type of diabetes insipidus does argipressin acetate treat?
It is licensed for diabetes insipidus that is not nephrogenic, meaning the kidneys can still respond to antidiuretic hormone.
Does argipressin acetate treat diabetes mellitus?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.