Desmopressin Acetate (DDAVP) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage

What are desmopressin tabs? What is desmopressin used for?

Desmopressin is a man-made analogue of vasopressin which is the body's natural anti-diuretic hormone released by the pituitary. It works by increasing water permeability in renal tubular cells, which decreases urine volume and increases urine concentration. In people with diabetes insipidus due to trauma or surgery in the pituitary region of the brain, it reduces frequent urination and thirst. The FDA approved desmopressin in February 1978.

What brand names are available for desmopressin tabs?

DDAVP, Stimate

Is desmopressin tabs available as a generic drug?

Yes

Do I need a prescription for desmopressin tabs?

Yes

What are the side effects of desmopressin tabs?

Side effects of Desmopressin are:

• headache,
• fatigue,
• rhinitis,
• abdominal pain, and
• conjunctivitis
• (pink eye).

Changes in blood pressure,
low sodium
levels, and increased heart rate may occur.

The only purpose of the kidneys is to filter blood.
See Answer

What is the dosage for desmopressin tabs?

Central diabetes insipidus:

• Adults and children 12 years of age and older: Initiate with 0.05 mg by mouth
  every 12 hours, may titrate up to 0.1 to 1.2 mg divided every 8 to 12 hours.
• Children of 4 years to under 12 years of age: Initiate with 0.05 mg by mouth
  every 12 hours, may titrate up to 0.1 to 0.8 mg divided every 8 to 12 hours.
• The intranasal dose for adults and children older than 12 years old is 10 to
  40 mcg per day or divided and given in 2 or 3 doses (every 8 or 12 hours). The
  dose for children 3 months to 12 years is 5 to 30 mcg daily or divided and given
  every 12 hours.
• The intravenous dose for adults and children older than 12 years of age is 2
  to 4 mcg daily. Children 3 months to 12 years old should receive 0.1-1 mcg per
  day or divided and given every 12 hours.

Primary nocturnal enuresis:

• Adults and children 6 years of age and older: 0.1 to 0.2 mg orally at
  bedtime. (May increase up to 0.6 mg if necessary)

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Which drugs or supplements interact with desmopressin tabs?

Desmopressin should be used with caution with drugs
tricyclic antidepressants, selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors,
NSAIDs,
lamotrigine
(Lamictal, Lamictal CD, Lamictal ODT, Lamictal XR), and opiate analgesics due to increased risk of water intoxication
with extremely low sodium levels.

Is desmopressin tabs safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

There are no adequate studies done on Desmopressin to determine
safe and effective use in
pregnant women.

Desmopressin may be distributed in
breast milk; however,
there are no adequate studies done to determine infant risk. It should be used
with caution by nursing mothers.

What else should I know about desmopressin tabs?

What preparations of desmopressin tabs are available?

Tablets: 0.1 mg and 0.2 mg; Nasal Spray: 0.01 mg/ml and 1.5
mg/ml; Injection: 4 mcg/ml.

How should I keep desmopressin tabs stored?

Store desmopressin tablets and spray at room temperature 20 C to 25
C (68 F 77 F). Refrigerate that injection at 2 C to 8 C (36 F to 46 F).