Approved & therapeutic
Angiotensin II
Giapreza
Angiotensin II is the endogenous vasoconstrictor peptide of the renin-angiotensin system, approved in synthetic form to raise blood pressure in adults with septic or other distributive shock.
Also known as: Ang II, angiotensin 2
- Status
- Angiotensin II is approved by the U.S. FDA and has official prescribing information.
- Evidence
- Approved labeling. Official prescribing information exists, based on clinical trials in people.
- Half-life
- Less than 1 minute — it is degraded almost immediately by plasma angiotensinases.
- How it's taken
- Continuous intravenous infusion in an intensive care setting
- Mechanism
- Other
How Angiotensin II works
Angiotensin II binds AT1 receptors on vascular smooth muscle, causing potent vasoconstriction, and also stimulates aldosterone release and vasopressin secretion. In distributive shock it provides a vasopressor mechanism entirely separate from the adrenergic and vasopressin systems, which is the rationale for adding it when those are already maximised.
What research has looked at
- The ATHOS-3 trial demonstrated improved blood pressure response compared with placebo in catecholamine-refractory distributive shock.
- A third, independent vasopressor mechanism, allowing catecholamine doses to be reduced.
- Onset is rapid and the effect resolves within minutes of stopping the infusion, making it easily titratable.
Evidence level: Approved labeling. Official prescribing information exists, based on clinical trials in people. These are areas studied or reported, not promised effects.
Reported side effects and risks
- Thromboembolic events were more frequent than placebo in the pivotal trial, and the label recommends concurrent venous thromboembolism prophylaxis.
- Peripheral and mesenteric ischaemia, following directly from potent vasoconstriction.
- Tachycardia and atrial fibrillation.
- It requires an intensive care setting with invasive monitoring.
- The trial demonstrated a blood pressure response, not a mortality benefit; that distinction matters when weighing its use.
Sources
- FDA approved-drug listing for angiotensin II · U.S. Food & Drug Administration
- DailyMed prescribing information for angiotensin II · NIH · DailyMed
- PubMed research on angiotensin II ATHOS-3 distributive shock · NIH · National Library of Medicine
- DrugBank record for angiotensin II · DrugBank
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Angiotensin II FAQ
What is Angiotensin II?
Angiotensin II is the endogenous vasoconstrictor peptide of the renin-angiotensin system, approved in synthetic form to raise blood pressure in adults with septic or other distributive shock.
How does Angiotensin II work?
Angiotensin II binds AT1 receptors on vascular smooth muscle, causing potent vasoconstriction, and also stimulates aldosterone release and vasopressin secretion. In distributive shock it provides a vasopressor mechanism entirely separate from the adrenergic and vasopressin systems, which is the rationale for adding it when those are already maximised.
Is Angiotensin II FDA approved?
Yes. Angiotensin II is approved by the U.S. FDA and has official prescribing information. Evidence level: approved labeling. Official prescribing information exists, based on clinical trials in people.
What is the half-life of Angiotensin II?
Reported half-life: Less than 1 minute — it is degraded almost immediately by plasma angiotensinases.
How is Angiotensin II taken?
Continuous intravenous infusion in an intensive care setting.
What side effects have been reported with Angiotensin II?
Reported in the sources: Thromboembolic events were more frequent than placebo in the pivotal trial, and the label recommends concurrent venous thromboembolism prophylaxis; Peripheral and mesenteric ischaemia, following directly from potent vasoconstriction; Tachycardia and atrial fibrillation; It requires an intensive care setting with invasive monitoring; The trial demonstrated a blood pressure response, not a mortality benefit; that distinction matters when weighing its use.
Educational summary compiled from the sources listed above. Not medical advice. Peptide Vault does not sell, source or recommend any compound. Talk to a qualified clinician before starting or changing anything.