Emergency Drugs · V₁ agonist
Vasopressin
Dose
0.01–0.04 U/min IV infusion (septic shock); 40 U IV bolus (no longer in ALS)
Mechanism
V₁ receptors → potent vasoconstriction (non-adrenergic)
Use
Refractory septic shock (added to noradrenaline), DI.
Monitoring
BP, MAP, peripheral perfusion, sodium.
Side effects
- • Peripheral / coronary / mesenteric ischaemia
- • Hyponatraemia
Always confirm dose against your local formulary / BNF before prescribing.
