Argipressin
Also known as: AVP, Vasopressina, ADH
Molecular Identifiers
Overview
Cyclic antidiuretic hormone (ADH) with a disulfide bridge. Produced in the hypothalamus and released by the neurohypophysis. Regulates water reabsorption in the kidneys, vasoconstriction, and body fluid homeostasis.
Argipressin is synthetic vasopressin (ADH), with a well-established pharmacological profile in hospital medicine. It acts both as an antidiuretic hormone — promoting water reabsorption in the renal collecting ducts via aquaporin-2 — and as a potent systemic vasoconstrictor. Its clinical use is consolidated in central diabetes insipidus, vasodilatory shock (including septic), and specific cardiopulmonary arrest protocols.
Unlike most peptides in this portal, argipressin is a registered medication approved by agencies such as the FDA, EMA, and ANVISA, with use restricted to supervised clinical settings. It does not circulate as a compounded or recreational product: the therapeutic margin is narrow and intravenous administration requires hemodynamic monitoring. The short plasma half-life (10-20 minutes) justifies continuous infusion in most indications.
CYFQNCPRG Cys-Tyr-Phe-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Arg-Gly Half-life
~10-20 minutes
Administration Route
Intravenous or subcutaneous
Category
Hormonal Regulation
Mechanism of Action
- V1a receptor agonism (vasoconstriction)
- V2 receptor agonism (water reabsorption in renal collecting ducts)
- V1b receptor agonism (ACTH release from the pituitary)
- Aquaporin-2 insertion into the apical membrane of collecting ducts
- Regulation of plasma osmolality and blood volume
Dosage Protocol
Data compiled from the literature. This does not constitute medical advice.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose | 5-20 IU or 1-4 mcg/kg |
| Frequency | As clinically needed |
| Timing | Per protocol |
| Duration | As needed |
Reported Side Effects
Adverse effects described in the literature. Severity and frequency vary between individuals.
- Nausea
- Abdominal cramps
- Pallor
- Transient hypertension
- Bradycardia
Product Properties
| Purity | >98% |
| Appearance | White lyophilized powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, acetic acid, and bacteriostatic water |
| Source | Solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) |
| Storage | Lyophilized: -20°C for up to 2 years, 2-8°C for up to 6 months. Reconstituted: 2-8°C, use within 24 hours. Protect from light and moisture. Sensitive to degradation — avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. |
Presentations & Preparation
Vials of Argipressin found in the research market:
Reconstitution
- Diluent: Bacteriostatic water
- Volume: 1 ml per vial
- Inject the diluent slowly against the vial wall
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved
- Never shake
Storage
- Lyophilized: Refrigerated 2-8°C
- Reconstituted: Refrigerated 2-8°C (use within 24 hours)
- Protect from direct light
- Sensitive to degradation - use promptly after reconstitution
Scientific Studies
Published studies on Argipressin.
Vasopressin versus norepinephrine infusion in patients with septic shock
Russell JA, Walley KR, Singer J, Gordon AC, Hébert PC, Cooper DJ, Holmes CL, Mehta S, Granton JT, Storms MM, Cook DJ, Presneill JJ, Ayers D
A comparison of vasopressin and epinephrine for out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Wenzel V, Krismer AC, Arntz HR, Sitter H, Stadlbauer KH, Lindner KH
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