Last update Aug. 3, 2022

Vasopressin

Likely Compatibility

Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.

Vasopressin or antidiuretic hormone is a nonapeptide secreted by the hypothalamus with antidiuretic and vasoconstrictor properties. It is mainly used to control blood pressure during systemic shock and also in central diabetes insipidus. Intravenous or intranasal administration in its synthetic forms of argipressin or lypressin.

Since the last update we have not found published data on its excretion in breastmilk.

Its very high molecular weight make it highly unlikely that significant quantities will pass into breast milk.

Desmopressin, a synthetic octapeptide analogue of vasopressin, is excreted in negligible amounts in breast milk. (Burrow 1981)

Its low oral bioavailability makes it difficult for it to pass to the infant’s plasma via ingested breast milk as, due to its protein nature, it degrades in the gastrointestinal tract and is not absorbed.

Diabetes insipidus worsens during pregnancy and improves with breastfeeding, decreasing desmopressin requirements. (Hime 1978). Nipple suckling doubles maternal plasma vasopressin levels.(Hawker 1957)

Expert authors consider the use of this medication compatible with breastfeeding. (Hale, LactMed, Briggs 2015)

Alternatives

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

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Other names

Vasopressin is also known as


Vasopressin in other languages or writings:

Group

Vasopressin belongs to this group or family:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Vasopressin in its composition:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. 0 %
Molecular weight 2.140 daltons
pKa 7.65 -
Tmax 1 hours
T½ 0.2 - 0.3 hours

References

  1. LactMed. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). Internet. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/ 2006 - Consulted on April 16, 2024 Full text (link to original source)
  2. Hale TW. Medications & Mothers' Milk. 1991- . Springer Publishing Company. Available from https://www.halesmeds.com Consulted on April 10, 2024 Full text (link to original source)
  3. Briggs GG, Freeman RK, Towers CV, Forinash AB. Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation: A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk. Wolters Kluwer Health. Tenth edition (acces on line) 2015
  4. Burrow GN, Wassenaar W, Robertson GL, Sehl H. DDAVP treatment of diabetes insipidus during pregnancy and the post-partum period. Acta Endocrinol (Copenh). 1981 May;97(1):23-5. Abstract
  5. Hime MC, Richardson JA. Diabetes insipidus and pregnancy. Case report, incidence and review of literature. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 1978 Jun;33(6):375-9. Abstract
  6. HAWKER RW, ROBERTSON PA, ROBINSON KW. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) in the human female. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1957 Feb;17(2):320-2. No abstract available. Abstract Full text (link to original source)

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