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Endocrine (other)

Desmopressin

Also called DDAVP, dDAVP, Nocdurna, Stimate, 1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin

Desmopressin is a modified version of the body's water-saving hormone, vasopressin. It makes the kidneys hold on to water and is used for central diabetes insipidus, bedwetting, and night-time urination. As an injection it also helps blood clot in mild hemophilia A and von Willebrand disease.

FDA-approvedApproved by the FDA for at least one use after large human trials.

All printable flashcards

Drawn from its published sequence: 9 residues, one bead each. Dashed arcs are ring bonds.

Overview

Desmopressin is a modified version of the body's water-saving hormone, vasopressin. It makes the kidneys hold on to water and is used for central diabetes insipidus, bedwetting, and night-time urination. As an injection it also helps blood clot in mild hemophilia A and von Willebrand disease.

How it works

Established: desmopressin mainly activates V2 receptors in the kidney, increasing water reabsorption and concentrating urine. Its two changes from vasopressin give a longer anti-diuretic effect with much less blood-vessel-tightening (V1) activity. The injection also raises factor VIII and von Willebrand factor levels.

What research shows

  • Nocdurna trials: dry mouth 12–14% and low sodium 3–4% (FDA label, placebo-controlled).

Doses studied in people

Study or labelDose usedSource
FDA label, injection — central diabetes insipidus2–4 mcg daily SC or IV in 1–2 doses1
FDA label, injection — hemophilia A / von Willebrand disease0.3 mcg/kg IV over 15–30 minutes (max 20 mcg)1
Tablet label — central diabetes insipidusStart 0.05 mg twice daily; usual 0.1–0.8 mg/day in divided doses2
Tablet label — primary nocturnal enuresis, age 6+0.2 mg at bedtime, up to 0.6 mg2
FDA label, Nocdurna — nocturia due to nocturnal polyuriaWomen 27.7 mcg, men 55.3 mcg sublingually 1 hour before bedtime3

Label doses shown; fluid restriction is part of labeled use.

Read this first: these are the amounts given to participants in published studies or written on official prescribing labels, reported for reference. They are not recommendations. Trial doses were chosen for specific patients under medical supervision, and a dose that is safe in one person can be harmful in another.

Safety

  • Boxed warning (injection and Nocdurna): severe, potentially fatal hyponatremia (low sodium) causing seizures, coma or death; check sodium before and during treatment (labels).
  • Contraindicated with hyponatremia history, SIADH, polydipsia, loop diuretics or glucocorticoids, low kidney function, heart failure, or uncontrolled hypertension (labels).
  • Other: headache, flushing, nausea, abdominal cramps, dry mouth, blood pressure changes, thrombotic events (labels).

Report side effects of any drug or product to the FDA through MedWatch. For a possible poisoning in the US, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

History

Desmopressin was first approved in the US in 1978. Tablets, nasal spray and injection followed; a low-dose sublingual tablet (Nocdurna) for nocturia due to nocturnal polyuria entered the US market in 2021.

Common questions

Is desmopressin FDA-approved?

Yes. It is approved as an injection, tablets and Nocdurna tablets that dissolve under the tongue 123.

How is it different from vasopressin?

Desmopressin is a modified vasopressin that mainly acts on the kidneys to save water 1. It lasts longer and does much less blood-vessel tightening than natural vasopressin 1.

What doses are on the FDA labels?

Labels list 2 to 4 mcg daily by injection for central diabetes insipidus and 0.2 mg tablets at bedtime for bedwetting in children 6 and up 12. Nocdurna lists 27.7 mcg for women and 55.3 mcg for men before bed 3. These are label figures, not advice.

What is the main safety risk?

A boxed warning flags severe low blood sodium, which can cause seizures, coma or death, so sodium is checked before and during treatment 13. Fluid restriction is part of labeled use 2.

Is desmopressin banned in sport?

Yes. It is prohibited at all times under S5, Diuretics and masking agents, on WADA's 2026 list 4.

Related compounds

Cardiovascular & bloodFDA-approvedFlashcard

Vasopressin

arginine vasopressin · AVP

Vasopressin, also called antidiuretic hormone, is a natural hormone that helps the body keep water and tightens blood vessels.

Endocrine (other)FDA-approvedFlashcard

Octreotide

Sandostatin · Sandostatin LAR Depot

Octreotide is a long-acting, man-made version of somatostatin, the body's 'off switch' for many hormones.

Sources

  1. DDAVP Injection (desmopressin acetate) prescribing information FDA label
  2. Desmopressin acetate tablets prescribing information FDA label
  3. NOCDURNA (desmopressin acetate) sublingual tablets prescribing information FDA label
  4. WADA 2026 Prohibited List Regulatory

Last reviewed 2026-10-25 · How we research · Found an error? See our corrections policy.