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General Medication Fact Sheet for Desmopressin
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Desmopressin |
| Brand Name Versions | DDAVP, Noctiva, Stimate, Minirin |
| Purpose | Treats bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis), central diabetes insipidus, and certain bleeding disorders. |
| Mechanism of Action | Synthetic analog of Vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) that reduces urine production by increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys. |
| Dosage Forms | Oral tablets, nasal spray, injection |
| Available Strengths | Tablets: 0.1 mg, 0.2 mg; Nasal Spray: 10 mcg/spray |
| Dosage Frequency | Varies by condition; usually once or twice daily for tablets, once at bedtime for nasal spray (for bedwetting). |
| Common Side Effects | Headache, nausea, nasal congestion (with nasal spray), abdominal pain |
| Serious Side Effects | Hyponatremia (low sodium levels), seizures (rare), allergic reactions |
| Drug Interactions | Tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), carbamazepine, chlorpropamide |
| Important Notes | Limit fluid intake, especially in children and the elderly, to prevent hyponatremia. Monitor sodium levels periodically. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light. Keep nasal spray upright. |
| Missed Dose | Take as soon as you remember, unless it is close to your next dose. Do not double the dose. For bedwetting, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regularly scheduled time. |
| Alternatives | For bedwetting: Imipramine, Oxybutynin; For diabetes insipidus: Vasopressin |
Desmopressin Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Imipramine (Tofranil) | Tricyclic antidepressant that may reduce bedwetting. | May cause side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, and dizziness. |
| Oxybutynin (Ditropan) | Anticholinergic medication that reduces bladder contractions. | May cause dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision. |
| Vasopressin (Pitressin) | Synthetic antidiuretic hormone similar to desmopressin. | Used primarily for diabetes insipidus. |
Desmopressin Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Headache | Hyponatremia (low sodium levels) |
| Nausea | Seizures (rare) |
| Nasal congestion (with nasal spray) | Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing) |
| Abdominal pain | Water intoxication |
| Flushing of face | Coma (very rare) |
Desmopressin Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nocturnal Enuresis (Bedwetting) – Oral Tablets | 0.2 mg at bedtime | 0.2 to 0.6 mg at bedtime | Limit fluid intake 1 hour before and 8 hours after. |
| Nocturnal Enuresis (Bedwetting) – Nasal Spray | 20 mcg (1 spray) at bedtime | 10 to 40 mcg at bedtime | Limit fluid intake 1 hour before and 8 hours after. Prime the spray before first use. |
| Central Diabetes Insipidus – Oral Tablets | 0.05 mg twice daily | 0.1 to 0.8 mg daily in divided doses | Adjust dose based on urine output and thirst. |
| Central Diabetes Insipidus – Nasal Spray | 10 mcg (1 spray) once or twice daily | 10 to 40 mcg daily, divided into one to two doses | Adjust dose based on urine output and thirst. |
Desmopressin Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $50 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $150 – $300 |
| From CPS | $58.95 |
