Vasopressin for bleeding from the head and neck

Excessive bleeding from the head and neck sometimes presents a therapeutic problem. Ten patients with this type of haemorrhage have been treated with continous vasopressin infusion for 1-3 days. Haemostasis was quickly established in eight cases. No serious side effects were noted. Infusion of vasopressin has a rapid, beneficial effect on haemorrhage from branches of the external carotid artery.