Antidiuretic hormone effect of vasopressin therapy for gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

Use of vasopressin injection (Pitressin) as an adjunct in the treatment of various types of gastrointestinal hemorrhage also produces an antidiuretic hormone effect of free water retention. This produces difficulties in fluid and electrolyte management and in the interpretation of changes in mental and hemodynamic status. This effect and its management are directly related to the total dose of the drug administered.