Synthetic human angiotensin II

Synthetic human angiotensin II is a prescription medication used to increase blood pressure in people with septic shock or other distributive shocks. 

• Synthetic human angiotensin II is available under various brand names: Giapreza

Common side effects of Synthetic human angiotensin II include:

• itching in the genitals or other skin areas, and
• scaling

Serious side effects of Synthetic human angiotensin II include:

• hives,
• difficulty breathing,
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat,
• black or tarry stools,
• bleeding gums,
• blood in the urine or stools,
• confusion,
• drowsiness,
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse,
• headache,
• nausea,
• pain in the arms, legs, or lower back, especially in the calves or heels upon exertion,
• pain, redness, or swelling in the arm or leg,
• pinpoint red spots on the skin,
• hallucinations,
• unusual bleeding,
• easy bruising,
• excitement,
• nervousness,
• restlessness,
• tiredness,
• weakness,
• vomiting,
• blurred vision,
• dry mouth,
• flushed or dry skin,
• fruity breath odor,
• increased hunger,
• increased thirst,
• itching,
• numbness or tingling of the face, fingers, or toes,
• pale and bluish-colored skin,
• cold hands or feet,
• stomach pain,
• sweating, and
• unexplained weight loss

Rare side effects of Synthetic human angiotensin II include:

• none

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors;
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
• Serious heart symptoms include fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out.

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Adult dosage

Injectable solution

• 2.5 mg/mL
• 5 mg/2mL

Shock

Adult dosage

• Initial: 20 ng/kg/minute IV by continuous infusion
• Titration: Monitor blood pressure response and titrate q5min by increments of up to 15 ng/kg/min or as needed to achieve or maintain target blood pressure; not to exceed 80 ng/kg/min during the first 3 hr of treatment
• Maintenance: Should not exceed 40 ng/kg/min; doses as low as 1.25 ng/kg/min may be used

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first

• Synthetic human angiotensin II has severe interactions with no other drugs.
• Synthetic human angiotensin II has serious interactions with no other drugs.
• Synthetic human angiotensin II has moderate interactions with at least 20 other drugs.
• Synthetic human angiotensin II has minor interactions with no other drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your products. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your healthcare professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.

Contraindications

• None

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Synthetic human angiotensin II?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Synthetic human angiotensin II?”

Cautions

• Risk of thromboembolism observed in clinical trials; use concurrent venous thromboembolism prophylaxis
• Drug interaction overview
• Coadministration with angiotensin-converting enzymes (ACE inhibitors) may increase response to angiotensin II
• Coadministration with angiotensin II blockers may decrease response to angiotensin II

Pregnancy & Lactation

• Data are insufficient in pregnant women to determine the risk of adverse developmental outcomes
• Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted
• Clinical considerations: Septic or other distributive shock is a medical emergency that can be fatal if left untreated; delaying treatment in pregnant women with hypotension associated with septic or other distributive shock is likely to increase the risk of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality

Lactation

• Unknown if distributed in human breast milk
• Consider the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding along with the mother’s clinical need for the drug, and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from the drug or the underlying maternal condition