VASOPRESSIN
VASOPRESSIN research profile covering evidence quality, proposed mechanisms, safety considerations, regulatory status, and linked primary sources.
Evidence-led profile
Research snapshot
- Evidence stage
- Emerging research
- References
- 5 linked sources
- Research coverage
- 1 area
- Editorial review
- Jul 7, 2026
Published by the PepGuide Editorial Team using our research methodology.
Vasopressin (arginine vasopressin/AVP) is a neuropeptide hormone produced in the hypothalamus that regulates water balance, blood pressure, and plays a crucial role in social behavior and cognition. Research indicates that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) vasopressin concentration is a biomarker of social functioning, with low levels associated with autism spectrum disorder and social impairment in both children and primates.
Research
Reported Effects
Research Evidence:: Strong preclinical evidence in primate models showing improvements in social cognition and face recognition. Autism Applications:: Low CSF vasopressin levels strongly correlate with social impairment in ASD, suggesting replacement therapy potential. Administration Method:: Nebulized vasopressin successfully penetrates the CNS and increases CSF levels in animal models. Individual Variation:: May only be effective for specific subgroups (those with vasopressin deficiency, primarily males) rather than general population
- Strong preclinical evidence in primate models showing improvements in social cognition and face recognition
- Low CSF vasopressin levels strongly correlate with social impairment in ASD, suggesting replacement therapy potential
- Nebulized vasopressin successfully penetrates the CNS and increases CSF levels in animal models
- May only be effective for specific subgroups (those with vasopressin deficiency, primarily males) rather than general population
Safety and Limitations
Safety Profile: Vasopressin (Antidiuretic Hormone)
Common Side Effects
- Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps
- Skin pallor and circumoral pallor
- Headache and dizziness
- Sweating and tremor
- Injection site reactions (IV/IM/SC administration)
- Mild hyponatremia (dilutional, from water retention)
Serious Adverse Effects
- Water intoxication and severe hyponatremia: Potentially fatal; results from excessive water retention with inadequate free water restriction
- Myocardial ischemia and infarction: Vasopressin causes coronary vasoconstriction; significant risk in patients with coronary artery disease
- Peripheral ischemia and gangrene: Potent vasoconstriction can compromise extremity perfusion, particularly at high doses or with extravasation
- Mesenteric ischemia: Can cause bowel ischemia, especially in shock states
- Cardiac arrhythmias: Including bradycardia and atrial fibrillation
- Severe hypertension
- Rhabdomyolysis from ischemia
- Skin necrosis with SC injection or IV extravasation
Contraindications
- Chronic nephritis with elevated blood nitrogen
- Coronary artery disease (relative contraindication; use only in life-threatening situations)
- Known hypersensitivity to vasopressin or its preservatives
- Vascular disease with compromised peripheral perfusion
Drug Interactions
- Carbamazepine, SSRIs, chlorpropamide, TCAs: Enhance antidiuretic effect; increased hyponatremia risk
- Lithium, demeclocycline: Reduce antidiuretic effect
- Norepinephrine and other vasopressors: Additive vasoconstriction; increased ischemia risk
- Ganglionic blocking agents: Enhanced vasopressor response
- Indomethacin: May potentiate antidiuretic effect
Population-Specific Considerations
- Septic shock: First-line vasopressor adjunct (per Surviving Sepsis guidelines) at 0.03–0.04 units/min
- Diabetes insipidus: Diagnostic and therapeutic use; desmopressin (DDAVP) preferred for chronic management (more selective V2 activity)
- Variceal bleeding: IV vasopressin used in GI hemorrhage; nitroglycerin co-infusion recommended to reduce cardiac ischemia
- Cardiac arrest: ACLS protocols have removed vasopressin as an alternative to epinephrine (2015 AHA guidelines)
- Pregnancy: Category C; may induce uterine contractions; use only when clearly needed
- Central line preferred: Peripheral IV administration carries significant extravasation injury risk
Common Side Effects
- Aggression Concerns:: May increase aggression in neurotypical individuals with intact vasopressin signaling, though not observed in low-social subjects
- Individual Response:: One user reported it wasn't particularly helpful 20 years ago, suggesting variable individual responses
- Limited Data:: Minimal user-reported side effects due to very limited availability and usage
- Market Removal:: Historical removal from Scandinavian markets suggests potential safety or efficacy concerns
Reconstitution Calculator
Pharmacokinetic Profile
References (5)
- [2]Nebulized vasopressin penetrates CSF and improves social functioning in low-social monkeys
→ Nebulized vasopressin administration improved face recognition and prosocial responses to affiliative communication cues in low-social rhesus monkeys without inducing aggression, with vasopressin levels increasing in CSF following administration.
- [1]Cerebrospinal Fluid Vasopressin Concentration Is a Biomarker of Autistic Social Impairment and Hypothalamic Vasopressin Gene Expression in Humans
→ Study found that CSF vasopressin concentration serves as a biomarker for social impairment in autism, with low levels predicting autistic traits and social difficulties in both children and adults.
- [3]Vasopressin as Possible Treatment Option in Autism Spectrum Disorder
→ Review suggests vasopressin may contribute to multiple ASD symptoms including social skills, communication, motor function, and sleep disturbances, with potential as a targeted treatment though likely only beneficial for certain subgroups.
- [4]Neonatal CSF vasopressin concentration predicts later medical record diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder
→ Neonatal CSF AVP concentrations were significantly lower among ASD cases than controls and individually predicted case status, suggesting a neurochemical marker of ASD may be present very early in life.
- [5]U.S. Food and Drug Administration Vasostrict (vasopressin injection, USP) - Prescribing Information (Label) FDA Drug Label (2016)
→ Approved label: for vasodilatory shock, IV infusion starting at 0.03 units/min (post-cardiotomy) or 0.01 units/min (septic shock), titrated; 1 mg = 530 units.
Continue researching VASOPRESSIN
Keep scientific evidence separate from commercial availability. Review how claims are evaluated, explore question-led research paths, or inspect disclosed source records without changing the editorial conclusions on this page.