hydrocortisone + vasopressin

Hydrocortisone + vasopressin is a combination therapy used primarily in the management of septic shock, particularly in cases refractory to standard vasopressor support. Hydrocortisone is a synthetic glucocorticoid that exerts anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects by binding to the glucocorticoid receptor, inhibiting phospholipase A2, NF-kappa B, and other inflammatory transcription factors while promoting anti-inflammatory gene expression[8]. Vasopressin is an endogenous peptide hormone that acts as a potent vasoconstrictor by stimulating V1a receptors on vascular smooth muscle cells; it also interacts with V1b (anterior pituitary) and V2 (renal collecting duct) receptors[6][7]. In septic shock, this combination has been shown to have additive catecholamine-sparing effects—hydrocortisone reduces the required dose and duration of vasopressin needed to maintain blood pressure without altering plasma vasopressin levels[1][2][5]. The primary indication for this combination is adjunctive therapy in refractory septic shock.

Other names

AVP + hydrocortisonearginine-vasopressin + hydrocortisone