Desmopressin
Also known as: 1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin, 1-desamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin, DDAVP, Minirin, Nocdurna, Stimate
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Summary
Desmopressin is a synthetic analogue of vasopressin used to treat central diabetes insipidus, nocturnal enuresis, and certain bleeding disorders (hemophilia A, von Willebrand disease) by enhancing renal water reabsorption and promoting coagulation factor release.
Mechanism of Action
Selective V2 vasopressin receptor agonist → ↑cAMP in renal collecting ducts → ↑water reabsorption; also stimulates release of factor VIII and von Willebrand factor from endothelial cells.
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Nocturia reduction in adultsUrologyHigh
- Hemostasis in mild hemophilia A / vWD type 1HematologyHigh
- Central diabetes insipidus managementEndocrine / RenalHigh
- Hemostatic agent in uremia-related platelet dysfunctionHematology / NephrologyModerate
- Nocturnal enuresisUrologyHigh
- Primary nocturnal enuresis treatmentUrology / PediatricsHigh
- Bleeding control in hemophilia A / vWDHemostasisHigh
- Central diabetes insipidusEndocrineHigh
- Cranial surgery/trauma-related polyuriaNeurosurgery / Critical CareModerate
Contraindications
- Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)EndocrineHigh
- Hyponatremia or risk of severe hyponatremiaElectrolyte DisorderHigh
- von Willebrand disease type 2BHematologyHigh
- Hyponatremia or history of hyponatremiaElectrolyte DisorderHigh
- Known hypersensitivity to desmopressinAllergyHigh
- Severe renal impairmentOrganModerateKidney function concerns
- Polydipsia (primary or psychogenic)Psychiatric / BehavioralHigh
- Hypersensitivity to desmopressinAllergy / ImmunologyHigh
- Moderate to severe renal impairment (CrCl <50 mL/min)RenalHigh
Adverse Effects
- HypertensionCardiovascularRareHigh blood pressure
- Injection site reactionsLocalUncommon
- HeadacheNeurologicCommonPain in the head or upper neck
- Flushing / Facial flushingDermatologicalUncommon
- Abdominal crampsGastrointestinalUncommon
- FlushingVascularCommonWarmth and redness of the skin
- NauseaGastrointestinalCommonFeeling of sickness or urge to vomit
- HyponatremiaElectrolyteCommon
- Nasal congestion / rhinitisENTCommon
Drug Interactions
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)Moderate
- Tricyclic antidepressantsModerate
- CarbamazepineModerate
- NSAIDsModerateMay increase renal risk in susceptible patients
- Lamotrigine / ValproateLow
- Thiazide diureticsHigh
Population Constraints
- PregnancyReproductive SafetyRelative
- Cardiovascular disease / hypertensionCardiovascularRelative
- ElderlyAgeRelative
- Children under 5 yearsPediatricRelative
- Pediatric patients (≤6 y)AgeRelative
- Cystic fibrosisPulmonary / GeneticRelative
- Elderly patients (≥65 years)Age RelatedRelative
- BreastfeedingReproductiveRelative
Regulatory Status
- European UnionApprovedApproved: central diabetes insipidus, nocturnal enuresis, bleeding disordersAvailable as Minirin.
- United StatesApprovedApproved: central diabetes insipidus, nocturnal enuresis, hemophilia A, von Willebrand diseasePrescription product (DDAVP).
- United KingdomApprovedApproved: central diabetes insipidus, nocturnal enuresis, bleeding disordersPrescription‑only medicine.
FDA‑approved in 1978 (DDAVP®). Approved in EU and UK for the same indications. Available as intranasal spray, oral tablets, and injectable forms.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desmopressin?
Desmopressin is a synthetic analogue of vasopressin used to treat central diabetes insipidus, nocturnal enuresis, and certain bleeding disorders (hemophilia A, von Willebrand disease) by enhancing renal water reabsorption and promoting coagulation factor release.
What is Desmopressin used for?
Desmopressin is educationally associated with: Nocturia reduction in adults, Hemostasis in mild hemophilia A / vWD type 1, Central diabetes insipidus management, Hemostatic agent in uremia-related platelet dysfunction, Nocturnal enuresis, Primary nocturnal enuresis treatment, Bleeding control in hemophilia A / vWD, Central diabetes insipidus, Cranial surgery/trauma-related polyuria. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Desmopressin administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Intranasal, Intravenous, Oral, Subcutaneous, Sublingual.
What are the potential side effects of Desmopressin?
Reported adverse effects include: Hypertension, Injection site reactions, Headache, Flushing / Facial flushing, Abdominal cramps, Flushing, Nausea, Hyponatremia, Nasal congestion / rhinitis. This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Desmopressin?
Recorded contraindications: Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), Hyponatremia or risk of severe hyponatremia, von Willebrand disease type 2B, Hyponatremia or history of hyponatremia, Known hypersensitivity to desmopressin, Severe renal impairment, Polydipsia (primary or psychogenic), Hypersensitivity to desmopressin, Moderate to severe renal impairment (CrCl <50 mL/min). Consult a qualified clinician before use.