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Vasopressor/Prescription

ANGIOTENSIN ll ACETATE

ANGIOTENSIN ll ACETATE

Clinical safety rating

caution

Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for ANGIOTENSIN ll ACETATE (ANGIOTENSIN ll ACETATE).


Mechanism of Action

Angiotensin II acetate is a synthetic peptide that acts as a potent vasoconstrictor by binding to the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor on vascular smooth muscle cells, leading to increased intracellular calcium and smooth muscle contraction. It also stimulates aldosterone secretion from the adrenal cortex, promoting sodium and water retention.

What the body does with it

MetabolismPrimarily metabolized by aminopeptidases and other peptidases in plasma and tissues, with minimal hepatic involvement.
ExcretionPrimarily renal (90-100%) as unchanged drug; minimal biliary/fecal elimination (<10%).
Half-lifeTerminal elimination half-life is approximately 30-60 minutes; clinical effect is short-lived requiring continuous intravenous infusion.
Protein bindingApproximately 30% bound to plasma proteins, primarily albumin.
Volume of DistributionApproximately 0.3-0.5 L/kg; indicates distribution mainly in extracellular fluid.
BioavailabilityIntravenous: 100%; subcutaneous/intramuscular: not well absorbed due to rapid local metabolism; oral: negligible (<1%) due to extensive first-pass metabolism.
Onset of ActionIntravenous: 1-2 minutes; subcutaneous/intramuscular: 5-15 minutes.
Duration of ActionIntravenous: 2-4 minutes; subcutaneous: 10-20 minutes; duration is dose-dependent and limited by rapid metabolism and clearance.
Molecular Weight491.6

Classification & Brands

Dosing & administration

Intravenous infusion: 1-40 ng/kg/min titrated to achieve target blood pressure. Initial rate: 10 ng/kg/min.

Dosage formSOLUTION
Renal impairmentNo specific dose adjustment required for renal impairment. Use caution in patients with renal artery stenosis.
Liver impairmentNo specific dose adjustment required for hepatic impairment.
Pediatric useIntravenous infusion: 0.5-20 ng/kg/min titrated to effect. Safety and efficacy not established in neonates.
Geriatric useStart at lower end of dosing range (1-5 ng/kg/min) due to potential for decreased renal function and increased sensitivity.

Use during pregnancy

1st trimesterContraindicated: risk of oligohydramnios, fetal renal dysfunction, and skull ossification defects in 1st trimester.
2nd trimesterContraindicated: associated with oligohydramnios, fetal anuria, and renal tubular dysplasia in 2nd trimester.
3rd trimesterContraindicated: may cause neonatal oliguria, hypotension, and pulmonary hypoplasia in 3rd trimester.

Clinical note

Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for ANGIOTENSIN ll ACETATE (ANGIOTENSIN ll ACETATE).

Placental transferCrosses placenta in animal studies; in humans, detected in fetal plasma at 10-70% of maternal levels.
BreastfeedingMinimal excretion into breast milk is expected due to high protein binding and low oral bioavailability; however, use with caution in preterm infants or those with compromised renal function.
Lactation RatingL3 - Moderately Safe
Teratogenic RiskFirst trimester: Potential for teratogenicity (increased risk of cardiovascular and CNS malformations). Second and third trimesters: Fetal hypotension, anuria, oligohydramnios, skull hypoplasia, pulmonary hypoplasia, and death. Use contraindicated in pregnancy.
Fetal MonitoringMonitor maternal blood pressure, renal function, electrolytes. Fetal ultrasound for oligohydramnios, renal function, and skull ossification. Doppler studies for placental blood flow.
Fertility EffectsNo specific studies. Theoretical risk of altered renin-angiotensin system affecting ovulation or implantation. Use with caution in women attempting conception.

Warnings & precautions

■ FDA Black Box Warning

No boxed warnings.

Side Effect Profile

Serious Effects

Absolute Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to angiotensin II or any componentBilateral renal artery stenosisSole functioning kidney with renal artery stenosisHypovolemiaSevere hypotensionConcomitant use with aliskiren in patients with diabetes mellitus

Clinical Precautions

PrecautionsThrombotic and thromboembolic events: Increased risk of venous and arterial thromboembolic events, including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and myocardial infarction., Ischemic events: May cause cardiac ischemia and reduce cardiac output; use with caution in patients with coronary artery disease., Vascular thrombosis: High risk of vascular thrombosis in patients with a history of thrombosis or hypercoagulable states., Use in hypovolemia: Correct hypovolemia before administration to avoid exacerbation of vasoconstriction., Pregnancy: May cause fetal harm; avoid use in pregnant women unless potential benefit outweighs risk.
Food/DietaryNo food interactions specific to angiotensin II acetate. Maintain a balanced diet as tolerated. Avoid excessive salt intake unless directed otherwise, as it may counteract the medication's effect on blood pressure.

Clinical Tips & Counseling

Clinical PearlsANGIOTENSIN II ACETATE is a vasoconstrictor used for refractory hypotension in distributive shock. Administer via central line to avoid extravasation, which can cause severe tissue ischemia. Monitor blood pressure every 5 minutes during titration. Discontinue other vasopressors if possible to avoid additive arrhythmogenic effects. Use with caution in patients with coronary artery disease or previous myocardial infarction due to increased oxygen demand. Taper gradually to avoid rebound hypotension.
Patient AdviceThis medication is given intravenously in the hospital to raise very low blood pressure. You will be closely monitored during treatment. · Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, or irregular heartbeat. · Avoid sudden position changes to prevent dizziness, as blood pressure may fluctuate. · Report any pain, swelling, or color changes at the injection site, which could indicate medication leakage. · You may need regular blood tests to monitor kidney function and electrolyte levels.

ANGIOTENSIN ll ACETATE Interactions

Loading safety data…

This overview is compiled from peer-reviewed clinical sources and FDA labeling. It's here to support — not replace — clinical judgment. Always verify dosing against your institution's current protocols before prescribing.

On this page

Mechanism of ActionDosing & administrationUse during pregnancyWarnings & precautionsDrug interactions

Compare with

ARAMINEDROXIDOPAEPANEDEPANED KITEPHEDRINE SULFATE

External sources

DailyMed (NIH) PubMed OpenFDA