PeptidePeptideVasopressin analogueAntidiuretic

Desmopressin (DDAVP)

Also known as DDAVP · Minirin · Stimate

Written by enwyReviewed 15 Jul 20262 sources0 comments

A synthetic analogue of the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin, selective for the V2 receptor. Widely licensed for central diabetes insipidus, nocturnal enuresis, nocturia, and certain bleeding disorders (mild haemophilia A, von Willebrand disease). Available as tablet, nasal spray and injection.

01 Overview

Desmopressin (1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin, DDAVP) is engineered from vasopressin to retain antidiuretic V2 activity while minimising the vasoconstrictive V1 effect and extending duration. It concentrates urine by promoting renal water reabsorption and also raises circulating factor VIII and von Willebrand factor, which underlies its haemostatic use.

It is a well-characterised, long-marketed drug with clear indications and dosing across intranasal, oral and parenteral routes. Its principal hazard is dilutional hyponatraemia if fluid intake is not controlled, which is the main reason for careful patient selection and sodium monitoring.

02 Mechanism

Selective agonist at renal V2 vasopressin receptors, increasing aquaporin-2 insertion and water reabsorption; also releases factor VIII / von Willebrand factor from endothelium.

03 Dosing

Tier	Dose	Route	Notes
Parenteral / haemostatic	1–4 mcg	SubQ	Injection for DI or to raise factor VIII in mild bleeding disorders.
Central diabetes insipidus	10–40 mcg/day	Insufflated	Divided doses; titrated to urine output.

04 Effects

Effect	Magnitude	Evidence
Reduced urine outputCorrects excessive water loss in central diabetes insipidus and reduces night-time voiding.	Concentrated urine, controlled polyuria	Clinical
Improved haemostasisTransiently boosts clotting factors in mild haemophilia A and von Willebrand disease.	2-4x rise in factor VIII/vWF	Clinical

05 Side effects

Effect	Severity	Frequency	Evidence
HyponatraemiaWater retention can lower serum sodium, causing headache, confusion or seizures if severe.	Severe	Uncommon; dose/fluid dependent	Clinical
Headache and nauseaMild headache, nausea or abdominal discomfort, sometimes an early sign of low sodium.	Mild	Common	Clinical
Nasal irritation (intranasal route)Local nasal congestion or irritation with nasal formulations.	Mild	Common with spray	Clinical

06 Legal status

United States

Prescription (DDAVP)

as of Jan 2026

United Kingdom

Prescription medicine

as of Jan 2026

07 References

Desmopressin: clinical pharmacology and usesDrugs (review)

DDAVP prescribing informationUS FDA label

08 Discussion0 comments

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This page is reference information, not medical advice. Doses and protocols are documented as they appear in the clinical literature and in practice — describing them is not a recommendation to use them. Countermeasures listed here are not a substitute for a physician. Legal status varies by jurisdiction and changes.