ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/vasopressin
US brand names:Pitressin, Vasostrict
Acts on V1 (vascular smooth muscle vasoconstriction) and V2 (renal collecting duct water reabsorption) receptors. Non-catecholamine vasopressor.
Used in CPR and refractory hypotension. Digital/splanchnic ischemia risk. Does not require functioning adrenergic receptors. Monitor urine output.
Species references:All Dog (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
Vasopressin CRI dose rule from the ExoticRx formulary. Verify against current literature before clinical use; CRI rates differ from bolus dosing and route, dilution, and monitoring matter. Sign in for the complete per-species CRI protocol set.
| Species | Route | Rate | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | IV | Vasopressor for CPR (replaces or alternates with epinephrine)0.2-0.8 U/kg IV bolus or CRI 0.5-5 mU/kg/min | CPR, refractory hypotension | Moderate | Fletcher DJ, Boller M, Brainard BM, et al. RECOVER evidence and knowledge gap analysis on veterinary CPR. Part 7: Clinical guidelines. J Vet Emerg Crit Care. 2012;22(s1):S102-S131. doi:10.1111/j.1476-4431.2012.00751.x — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1321 (2026-08-01). |
CPR, refractory hypotension
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 1 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | IV | Vasopressor for CPR (replaces or alternates with epinephrine) | 0.2-0.8 U/kg IV bolus or CRI 0.5-5 mU/kg/min | Moderate | Fletcher DJ, Boller M, Brainard BM, et al. RECOVER evidence and knowledge gap analysis on veterinary CPR. Part 7: Clinical guidelines. J Vet Emerg Crit Care. 2012;22(s1):S102-S131. doi:10.1111/j.1476-4431.2012.00751.x — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1321 (2026-08-01). |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.