Brand names DDAVP,Desmospray, Desmotabs
Used in the following combined preparations None
GENERAL INFORMATION
Desmopressin is a synthetic form of the naturally occurring hormone vasopressin, which is adjusted in response to the concentration of salts in the blood. Its deficiency causes diabetes insipidus, in which frequent urination and continual
thirst occur because the kidneys cannot concentrate the urine.
Desmopressin controls the production of urine by correcting the deficiency of, and working for longer than, vasopressin.
The drug is also used to test for diabetes insipidus, as well as to treat nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting) in both children and adults. When given by injection, desmopressin helps to boost clotting factors in haemophilia.
Side effects of the drug include low blood sodium and fluid retention (which sometimes requires monitoring of body weight and blood pressure to check the body’s water balance).
INFORMATION FOR USERS
Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking with your doctor.
How taken
Tablets, injection, nasal solution, nasal spray.
Frequency and timing of doses
Diabetes insipidus 3 x daily (tablets); 1-2 x daily (nasal spray and nasal solution). Nocturnal enuresis At bedtime (tablets, nasal spray, and nasal solution).
Dosage range
Diabetes insipidus: Adults 300-600mcg daily (tablets); 1-4 puffs (nasal spray); 10-40mcg daily (solution).
Children 300-600mcg daily (tablets); up to 2 puffs (nasal spray); 20mcg (nasal solution). Nocturnal enuresis: 200-400mcg for children over 5 years only (tablets); 20-40mcg (nasal solution); 2-4 puffs (nasal spray).
Onset of effect
Begins within a few minutes with full effects in a few hours (injection, nasal solution, and nasal spray); 30-90 minutes (tablets).
Duration of action
Tablets 8 hours; injection and nasal solutions 8-12 hours; nasal spray 10-12 hours.
Diet advice
Your doctor may advise you to monitor your fluid intake.
Storage
Keep in a cool, dry place (tablets) or in a refrigerator, without freezing (nasal solution and nasal spray), out of the reach of children. Protect from light.
Missed dose
Take as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within 2 hours, take a single dose now and skip the next.
Stopping the drug
Do not stop the drug without consulting your doctor; symptoms of diabetes insipidus may recur.
Exceeding the dose
An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to cause problems. Large overdoses may prevent the kidneys from eliminating fluid, with ensuing problems including convulsions. Notify your doctor immediately.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS
Desmopressin can cause fluid retention and low blood sodium (in serious cases with convulsions). Headache, nausea, vomiting, and epistaxis (nosebleeds) also occur.
QUICK REFERENCE
Drug group Drug for diabetes insipidus
Overdose danger rating Medium
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic No
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
You have heart problems.
You have high blood pressure. You have kidney problems.
You have cystic fibrosis.
You have asthma or allergic rhinitis. You have epilepsy.
You are taking other medications.
Pregnancy
Used with caution in pregnancy.
Breast-feeding
The drug passes into breast milk, in small amounts, but at normal doses adverse effects on the baby are unlikely.
Infants and children
No special problems in children; infants may need monitoring to ensure that fluid balance is correct.
Over 60
May need monitoring to ensure that fluid balance is correct.
Driving and hazardous work
No known problems.
Alcohol
Your doctor may advise on fluid intake.
PROLONGED USE
Diabetes insipidus: No problems expected.
Nocturnal enuresis: The drug will be withdrawn for at least a week after 3 months for assessment of the need to continue treatment.
INTERACTIONS
Substances known to cause release of vasopressin may increase the effect of desmopressin. Such drugs include tricyclic antidepressants, chlorpropamide, and carbamazepine.
