The Basics
What is Vasopressin?
Can treat diabetes insipidus; also used after stomach surgery or before stomach x-rays. Can also increase blood pressure in patients with vasodilatory shock.
Brand names for Vasopressin
Pitressin
How Vasopressin is classified
Vasopressins, Arginine Vasopressin
Vasopressin During Pregnancy
Vasopressin pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Vasopressin while pregnant
Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Pitressin. It is also not known whether Pitressin can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Pitressin should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
Taking Vasopressin While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Vasopressin?
No information is available on the clinical use of vasopressin (arginine vasopressin) during breastfeeding. However, a vasopressin derivative, desmopressin results in only small increases in milk arginine vasopressin levels.[1] Because vasopressin is not orally absorbed it is unlikely to adversely affect the breastfed infant.
Maternal / infant drug levels
No information is available on the clinical use of vasopressin (arginine vasopressin) during breastfeeding. However, a vasopressin derivative, desmopressin results in only small increases in milk arginine vasopressin levels.[1] Because vasopressin is not orally absorbed it is unlikely to adversely affect the breastfed infant.
Possible effects of Vasopressin on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Vasopressin
Desmopressin.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Burrow GN, Wassenaar W, Robertson GL, Sehl H. DDAVP treatment of diabetes insipidus during pregnacy and the post-partum period. Acta Endocrinol (Copenh). 1981;97:23-5. PMID: 7223315
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
