DDAVP

Common Name: desmopressin

How does DDAVP work?

Desmopressin comes in three different forms: injection, tablets, and two kinds of nasal spray. Each form has different uses: All three forms are used to treat a condition called diabetes insipidus. This condition causes excess loss of water in the urine and extreme thirst. The nasal spray and tablet may also be used to prevent bedwetting in children aged five or older. In this case, it is often used in combination with non-medication treatments. It works by preventing excess loss of water in the urine. The injection may also be used to prevent bleeding due to surgery or injuries in patients with either of two genetic bleeding disorders that impair the blood's ability to clot: hemophilia A with factor VII levels greater than 5%, or mild to moderate Von Willebrand's disease with factor VII levels greater than 5%. Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

How should I use DDAVP?

Diabetes insipidus: The dosage needs to be individualized according to response. Injection: The average adult dose is 1 µg to 4 µg (0.25 mL to 1.0 mL) given subcutaneously (under the skin), intramuscularly (into a large muscle), or intravenously (into a vein) as a single dose or in two to three divided doses. The average children's dose for the injection is 0.4 µg (0.1 mL). Nasal spray: The average adult dose is 10 µg to 40 µg (0.1 mL to 0.4 mL), and the average dose for children aged 3 months to 12 years is 5 µg to 30 µg (0.05 mL to 0.3 mL). Tablets: The usual starting dose for adults and children is 0.1 mg three times daily. The maximum recommended dose is 0.4 mg three times daily. Bedwetting: Nasal spray: The dose needs to be individualized according to needs. The usual starting dose is 20 µg (0.2 mL) of nasal spray used one hour before sleep. The average effective dose ranges from 10 µg to 40 µg. It is recommended that fluid intake be restricted for a few hours before taking the medication. Tablets: The usual starting dose for adults and children is 0.2 mg one hour before bedtime and increased every 3 days to reach the desired response. The maximum recommended dose is 0.6 mg. Bleeding disorders: When used for bleeding disorders, desmopressin is given by intravenous infusion (continuous administration into the vein). The typical adult dose is 10 µg per square meter of body surface area, with a maximum dose of 20 µg. For children, the usual dose is 0.3 µg per kilogram of body weight. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

What form(s) does DDAVP come in?

Injection: The injection contains 4 µg desmopressin acetate per mL of solution in an isotonic, sterile water solution. It should be stored in the fridge, kept away from light, kept out of the reach of children, and not frozen.Nasal sprays: Nasal spray: The nasal spray pump contains 0.1 mg/mL desmopressin. Each spray delivers 10 µg of desmopressin acetate. Nonmedicinal ingredients include benzalkonium chloride as a preservative. Bottles of 25 and 50 sprays are available. The nasal spray should be stored at room temperature, kept out of the reach of children, and not frozen. Rhinyle nasal solution: This solution comes in a bottle with a nasal tube to help deliver the medication to the nose. The solution contains desmopressin acetate 0.1 mg/mL in a buffered isotonic aqueous solution. The solution should be kept in the fridge, kept out of the reach of children, and not frozen. Tablets: White, uncoated tablets are available containing 0.1 mg and 0.2 mg desmopressin acetate. Nonmedicinal ingredients include lactose, magnesium stearate, potato starch, and povidone. Tablets should be stored in a dry place and kept out of reach of children.

What should I NOT take with DDAVP?

This medication should not be used by anyone who is allergic to desmopressin or to any of the ingredients in this product. The tablets should not be used by anyone who has type IIB or platelet type (pseudo) von Willebrand's disease. The nasal spray should not be used by anyone who has type IIB or platelet type (pseudo) von Willebrand's disease, or by anyone who has a medical condition associated with excessive thirst and severe heart problems or other conditions requiring treatment with diuretics ("water pills").

Are there any other precautions or warnings for DDAVP?

Medical conditions: Desmopressin is not effective in controlling excessive urination caused by kidney disease, diabetes, psychosomatic conditions, low blood potassium, or high blood calcium. Desmopressin should be used with caution by people who have cystic fibrosis as they are prone to low levels of sodium in the blood. Changes in the nasal tissue resulting from rhinitis, scarring, edema, or other disease may cause unreliable absorption of the nasal spray, in which case the nasal spray should not be used. In the case of temporary itchy and runny nose, your doctor may consider using an injectable form of desmopressin until the nasal tissue returns to normal. Fluid and electrolyte balance: Fluid intake should be adjusted in order to reduce the possibility of water retention and low levels of sodium in the blood, especially in very young people and in seniors. People who are dehydrated should wait until their water balance has been adequately restored before taking desmopressin. Children and seniors should be closely observed for possible water retention due to excessive intake of fluids. Fluid intake should be carefully adjusted to prevent excessive intake of fluids. For control of nighttime bedwetting, a restricted fluid intake is recommended a few hours before using the medication. Tolerance: There are reports of changes in response over time, usually when the medication has been used for periods longer than six months. Some people may experience decreased responsiveness while others may experience a shortened duration of effect. Pregnancy: This medication has been used during pregnancy with no harm reported. However, no controlled studies have been done on its use by pregnant women. Your doctor should weigh the possible benefits against the potential risks. Breast-feeding: There have been no controlled studies of the use of this medication by nursing women. Women who are breast-feeding should be cautious when using this medication. Children: Desmopressin has been used by children with diabetes insipidus. The dose must be individually adjusted to the child. The dosage for infants younger than three months has not been established. The desmopressin injection should not be used for hemophilia A or von Willebrand's disease in children younger than three months of age.