Drug Mnemonic

Vasopressin

Antidiuretics • V1 = vasoconstriction • v2 = Water Reabsorption
April 13, 2026
RxMnemonic Antidiuretics
Vasopressin
Antidiuretics • V1 = vasoconstriction • v2 = Water Reabsorption
VASO = vessel + PRESSIN = pressing
Separate vasopressin into VASO (sounds like vessel) and PRESSIN (sounds like pressing). Now imagine a hand pressing (PRESSIN) on a blood vessel (VASO), reminding you of vasoconstriction. At the same time, imagine a hand pressing (PRESSIN) on the collecting duct, stopping water flow, like how vasopressin stops water from leaving the body via urine.
Vasopressin
V1 & V2 agonist VASO = vessel | PRESSIN = pressing
HOW STEP TESTS IT
1
Causes vasoconstriction via V1 receptors on vascular smooth muscle, which is why it helps in esophageal variceal bleeding and vasodilatory shock.
2
Increases water reabsorption via V2 receptors in the collecting duct by increasing aquaporin insertion, so it can treat central diabetes insipidus, but can cause hyponatremia/water intoxication.
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Practice Question

Which adverse effect is most classically associated with excessive V2-mediated action of vasopressin?

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