desmopressin acetate (DDAVP, Stimate)

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

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.

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)

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.

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 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).