Angiotensin II
Angiotensin II is a potent vasopressor medication used to raise dangerously low blood pressure in critically ill patients, particularly those with septic shock or other forms of distributive shock. It works by causing blood vessels to constrict and stimulating aldosterone release, which increases blood pressure and improves organ perfusion.
A potent vasopressor used to treat life-threatening hypotension in critically ill patients by causing blood vessel constriction.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C01CX09
- RxNorm
- 1999003
- Generic
- Angiotensin Ii
- Class
- atc-c01
- Brands
- Giapreza
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 20 ng/kg/min
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- continuous, titrated up to 40 ng/kg/min
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 20-50 ng/kg/min
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- continuous, titrated to effect
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 20 ng/kg/min
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- continuous, titrated cautiously
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse only if benefits outweigh risks
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks to the mother
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse only if benefits outweigh risks
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks to the mother
regular fetal monitoring and uterine blood flow assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse only if benefits outweigh risks
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks to the mother
regular fetal monitoring and uterine contraction monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno specific adjustment
discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue drug depending on importance to mother
monitor infant for hypotension and feeding problems
geriatric
elderlystart at lower end of dosing range
use with caution due to increased sensitivity to effects on blood pressure and renal function
monitor blood pressure closely and assess renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 18not established
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks, not well studied in pediatric population
close monitoring of blood pressure and renal function
renal_impairment
mildno specific dose adjustment
use with caution and monitor renal function
monitor renal function and blood pressure
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
use with caution and monitor renal function closely
frequent monitoring of renal function and blood pressure
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mildno specific dose adjustment
use with caution
monitor blood pressure
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeuse with caution
use with caution due to limited data
monitor blood pressure and hepatic function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval date for Giapreza (Angiotensin II)
Drug class
Pharmacological classification of Angiotensin II
Primary indication
Therapeutic indication for Giapreza
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic mechanism
Treatment of refractory hypotension in septic shock and other distributive shock states when adequate perfusion cannot be maintained with standard vasopressor therapy (such as norepinephrine or vasopressin).
Angiotensin II binds to the angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1) on vascular smooth muscle cells, triggering intracellular calcium release that causes vasoconstriction. It also stimulates aldosterone release from the adrenal glands, promoting sodium and fluid retention which further supports blood pressure.
Administered as an intravenous infusion in critical care settings with continuous blood pressure monitoring. Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity. May interact with ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or other vasopressors. Use requires careful dose titration to achieve target blood pressure while minimizing adverse effects such as excessive vasoconstriction.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy