Desmopressin: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing - WebMD

Overview: Desmopressin can be used to reduce the amount of pee your body makes or to control bleeding in people with certain bleeding problems. It works by acting like a natural hormone in your body that controls how much pee your body makes and is involved in forming blood clots to stop bleeding. Common side effects can include dry mouth, dizziness, and headache. Serious side effects are less likely but may include changes in blood pressure (low or high) or low blood sodium levels. Contact your health care provider if you notice new confusion or memory problems, weakness or tiredness, sudden or severe headache, or chest pain. Before using desmopressin be sure to tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and medicines that you take. Desmopressin is available as a tablet that you swallow or as an injection.

Uses

What is desmopressin used for?

Desmopressin is commonly used to reduce the amount of pee made, including waking at night to pee or wetting the bed. Making too much pee can be caused by certain medical conditions, head injury, and types of brain surgery. Desmopressin may also be used in people with either hemophilia A or Von Willebrand’s disease (Type I) to control bleeding caused by surgery or an injury. Desmopressin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider. Desmopressin is also available as a nasal spray for use in the nose. See Desmopressin Nasal for more information.

How does desmopressin work (mechanism of action)?

Desmopressin works by acting like a substance in your body called vasopressin. Vasopressin helps to control how much pee your body makes. Desmopressin also increases the activity of a substance called factor VIII that is needed to allow your blood to clot.

How is desmopressin supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

• DDAVP

Dosage forms and strengths

• 0.1 mg oral tablet
• 0.2 mg oral tablet
• 4 mcg/mL solution for injection

How should I store desmopressin?

Oral Tablet. Desmopressin oral tablet should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from light. Injection Liquid. Desmopressin injection liquid should be stored refrigerated, between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). Store in a tightly closed container. Protect from light.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of desmopressin?

The most common side effects of desmopressin are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Low sodium (see below)
• Nausea
• Flushing of the face

There may be other side effects of desmopressin that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of desmopressin?

While less common, the most serious side effects of desmopressin are described below, along with what to do if they happen. Low Sodium (Hyponatremia). Desmopressin can cause a low sodium level, which can be serious and may lead to death. Your health care provider may check your sodium levels, especially if you take a steroid or a medicine called a diuretic, also called a water pill. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

• Nausea or vomiting
• Confusion or memory problems
• Weakness or tiredness
• Breathing problems
• Muscle cramps
• Seizures

Severe Allergic Reactions. Desmopressin can cause allergic reactions, which can be serious and lead to death. Stop using desmopressin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Increased Blood Pressure (Hypertension). Desmospressin may increase your blood pressure or make it worse if you have a history of high blood pressure. Call your health care provider if your blood pressure increases while using this medicine.

If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 mm Hg or higher, get medical attention right away. Increases in blood pressure may not be noticeable but look out for any of the following symptoms of severely high blood pressure.

• Sudden severe headache
• Chest pain
• Dizziness or confusion
• Trouble breathing
• Nausea/vomiting
• Blurry or other changes to vision
• Anxiety
• Buzzing in the ears
• Nosebleed
• Feeling of skipped heart beats

Decreased Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Desmopressin may cause low blood pressure. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.

• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Confusion
• Feeling weak or tired
• Fast heartbeat

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use desmopressin?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use desmopressin products.

• Desmopressin
• DDAVP
• Nocdurna
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific desmopressin products they stock.

Heart Failure. Desmopressin should not be used if you have heart failure. Desmopressin can cause fluid retention, which can worsen heart failure.

Uncontrolled Blood Pressure (Hypertension). Desmopressin should not be used if you have uncontrolled blood pressure. Desmopressin can cause fluid retention, which can worsen hypertension. Make sure that you know if you have high blood pressure and if it has been successfully lowered with medicine before using desmopressin.

Low Sodium (Hyponatremia). Desmopressin may cause a low sodium level. Do not use desmopressin if you have or have had low blood sodium levels or if you have any of the following conditions because of an increased risk of hyponatremia.

• Excessive thirst (polydipsia)
• Illnesses that can cause you to lose a lot of water from a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting
• A condition called syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)
• A kidney problem that causes you to have low salt levels

Kidney Problems. Desmopressin should not be used if your kidneys are not working as well as they should be. If there is a concern about the health of your kidneys, your health care provider may do tests to see if they are working well enough to use this medicine.

Drug Interactions. Desmopressin should not be used while you are using certain other medicines. Before using desmopressin, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.

What should I know about desmopressin before using it?

Do not use desmopressin unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed. Do not share desmopressin with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them. Keep desmopressin out of the reach of children. If you use desmopressin to reduce the amount of pee made because you are waking at night to pee, limit the amount of water or other liquids you drink from an hour before using desmopressin to 8 hours after using it. Desmopressin can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how desmopressin affects you. Children and people who are 65 years of age or older can be at greater risk for some side effects of desmopressin. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my health care provider before using desmopressin?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if desmopressin is right for you. In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following. Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following health conditions.

• von Willebrand’s disease Type IIB
• Kidney problems
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• An infection, fever, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Increased pressure in your brain (intracranial pressure)
• Trouble peeing (urinary retention)
• Cystic fibrosis
• History of blood clots (injection)

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how desmopressin could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use desmopressin while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Desmopressin may pass into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use desmopressin while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does desmopressin interact with foods or drinks?

Do not drink alcohol, coffee, or other drinks that have caffeine because they cause you to pee. You may lose too much water and become dehydrated.

Does desmopressin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using desmopressin.

• Certain medicines that increase blood pressure, such as pseudoephedrine, which is contained in many OTC products for colds or allergies
• Tricyclic antidepressants or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are medicines used to treat depression or other conditions
• A sulfonylurea such as chlorpropamide, which is a type of medicine to treat diabetes
• Chlorpromazine, a medicine used to treat certain mental health conditions
• An opioid, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and others, which is contained in many prescription products for pain
• A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which is in many prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) products for pain, swelling, and fever
• Lamotrigine or carbamazepine, which are medicines used to treat seizures
• Oxybutynin, which is a medicine to treat overactive bladder
• A corticosteroid, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions, asthma, or COPD
• A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with desmopressin. Always check with your health care provider.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much desmopressin?

If you or someone else has used too much desmopressin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of desmopressin?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Are you currently using Desmopressin?

This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.