Preparation of Solution

Inspect parenteral drug products for particulate matter and discoloration prior to use, whenever solution and container permit.

Vasostrict® Solution for Dilution, 20 units/mL and 200 units/10 mL (20 units/mL)

Dilute Vasostrict® in normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) or 5% dextrose in water (D5W) prior to use for intravenous administration. Discard unused diluted solution after 18 hours at room temperature or 24 hours under refrigeration.

Administration

In general, titrate to the lowest dose compatible with a clinically acceptable response.

The recommended starting dose is:

Post-cardiotomy shock: 0.03 units/minute

Septic Shock: 0.01 units/minute

Titrate up by 0.005 units/minute at 10- to 15-minute intervals until the target blood pressure is reached. There are limited data for doses above 0.1 units/minute for post-cardiotomy shock and 0.07 units/minute for septic shock. Adverse reactions are expected to increase with higher doses.

After target blood pressure has been maintained for 8 hours without the use of catecholamines, taper vasopressin injection by 0.005 units/minute every hour as tolerated to maintain target blood pressure.