What is the IV bolus dose of vasopressin?

What is the IV bolus dose of vasopressin?

• A. 4-6 units
• B. 0.1-0.2 unit
• C. 1-2 units prn
• D. 10-12 units

Answer: (C)

Vasopressin raises blood pressure by constricting vessels through V1 receptor activation. When used as a bolus to support perfusion, the dose should be small and titratable so you can quickly increase tone without causing excessive vasoconstriction that could compromise organ blood flow. A bolus of 1-2 units IV push is a practical, titratable amount that can be given as needed to raise the mean arterial pressure, and can be repeated if hypotension recurs. Larger boluses, like 4-6 or 10-12 units, carry a higher risk of severe vasoconstriction and potential organ ischemia. A dose as tiny as 0.1-0.2 units is usually insufficient to achieve the desired pressor effect. So, 1-2 units given as needed best fits the idea of a manageable, effective vasopressin bolus.

Vasopressin raises blood pressure by constricting vessels through V1 receptor activation. When used as a bolus to support perfusion, the dose should be small and titratable so you can quickly increase tone without causing excessive vasoconstriction that could compromise organ blood flow.

A bolus of 1-2 units IV push is a practical, titratable amount that can be given as needed to raise the mean arterial pressure, and can be repeated if hypotension recurs. Larger boluses, like 4-6 or 10-12 units, carry a higher risk of severe vasoconstriction and potential organ ischemia. A dose as tiny as 0.1-0.2 units is usually insufficient to achieve the desired pressor effect.

So, 1-2 units given as needed best fits the idea of a manageable, effective vasopressin bolus.