Pitressin injection is a hormone used for the control the frequent urination, increased thirst, and loss of water caused by diabetes insipidus. This drug is also used for the prevention and treatment of abdominal or stomach distension that occurs after surgery.
It is also used in abdominal or stomach roentgenography. This hormone acts on the kidneys to reduce urine output. This drug is also used to increase blood pressure in adults with vasodilatory shock who remain to have hypotension after receiving fluids and drugs. This drug requires a prescription.
Before using Pitressin, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications.
Studies in children with vasodilatory shock regarding the correlation of age to the effects of Vasostrictв have not been performed while safety and efficacy have not been established.
Studies in children with diabetes insipidus and abdominal distension have not demonstrated any pediatric-specific problems that would limit the utility of PitressinВ®. No geriatric-specific problems have been reported to date.
Adjustments in the dose of the elderly may be required since they are more likely to have age-related kidney, liver, or heart problems. Data on the relationship of age to the effects of PitressinВ® in geriatric patients are still unavailable.
Adverse effects have been reported in animal studies but studies in pregnant women or animals are still inadequate. Infant risk is still undetermined when using this drug during breastfeeding.
Discuss with your healthcare professional about the potential risks and benefits before taking this drug while breastfeeding. Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.
Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs such as:
Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems such as:
Proper usage of Pitressin requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. A trained healthcare professional will give you this drug in a hospital or clinic. This drug is injected under your skin, into a muscle or vein. This drug may be given at home to patients with diabetes insipidus who do not need to be in the hospital or clinic.
Your healthcare professional will educate you on how to prepare and inject the drug if you are using this drug at home. You will be shown the body areas this drug can be injected. A different body area must be used each time you give yourself a shot. Rotate body areas where to inject the drug to help prevent skin problems from the injections. A new needle and syringe must be used each time you inject your drug.
Your healthcare professional may limit you fluid intake. The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients. The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed. The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug.
Adults and teenagers with diabetes insipidus are injected 5 to 10 Units into a muscle or under the skin two or three times a day if necessary. Children have injected 2.5 to 10 Units into a muscle or under the skin three or four times a day. A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose.
Store the drug in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.
4 Precautions to Take
Before using Pitressin, there are some precautions you must take. Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of the drug. Unwanted effects can be screened using blood and urine tests.
Seek immediate medical attention if you have symptoms of anaphylaxis such as:
Rash, Itching
Trouble breathing
Trouble swallowing
Swelling of your hands, face, or mouth
while you are using this drug. Check with your healthcare professional before you take any other prescription or nonprescription drugs, and herbal or vitamin supplements.
As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Pitressin. Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur.
Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as:
Abdominal or Stomach pain, usually after eating a meal
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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