Angiotensin II

Angiotensin II is a synthetic form of the naturally occurring peptide hormone that plays a central role in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). It is used as an intravenous vasoconstrictor to increase blood pressure in adults with septic or other distributive shock. Mechanistically, angiotensin II acts primarily by binding to the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1) on vascular smooth muscle cells, leading to G-protein-coupled activation and increased intracellular calcium, which causes vasoconstriction and raises blood pressure. It also stimulates aldosterone release, contributing further to its pressor effects. The drug is indicated for patients who remain hypotensive despite fluid resuscitation and conventional vasopressors[1][3][5][8]. Angiotensin II was developed by La Jolla Pharmaceutical and approved by the FDA in 2017 under the brand name Giapreza[3].

Brand names

Giapreza

Other names

Ang II