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Desmopressin
DDAVP, 1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin
A synthetic analogue of the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin. It selectively activates renal V2 receptors, raising cAMP and inserting aquaporin-2 water channels in the collecting duct to concentrate urine; it also triggers release of von Willebrand factor and factor VIII from endothelial stores.
Well-characterised human clinical evidence, in use since the late 1970s. An approved prescription medicine, not a research-use compound.
- Approved for central (cranial) diabetes insipidus
- Primary nocturnal enuresis
- Bleeding support in type 1 von Willebrand disease and mild haemophilia A
- Studied for nocturia/nocturnal polyuria
Educational overview only — no dosing instructions in the public hub. Prescription-only medicine used under medical supervision with fluid-intake precautions.
Main risk is dilutional hyponatremia (low blood sodium), which can cause seizures — the reason intranasal desmopressin is no longer marketed for bedwetting; risk is higher in older adults and requires fluid restriction and sodium monitoring. Response in von Willebrand disease can wane with repeated dosing (tachyphylaxis).
A regulated pharmaceutical product; authenticity means a licensed, pharmacy-dispensed drug, not a research-grade vial. Third-party CoA (purity + quantification + MS) is the minimum verification for any non-pharmaceutical source.
Approved prescription medicine (US FDA initial approval 1978; approved across the EU); dispensed only on prescription.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Desmopressin used for?
- Approved for central (cranial) diabetes insipidus. Primary nocturnal enuresis. Bleeding support in type 1 von Willebrand disease and mild haemophilia A. Studied for nocturia/nocturnal polyuria. Well-characterised human clinical evidence, in use since the late 1970s. An approved prescription medicine, not a research-use compound.
- Is Desmopressin legal in Europe?
- Approved prescription medicine (US FDA initial approval 1978; approved across the EU); dispensed only on prescription.
- What are the risks and side effects of Desmopressin?
- Main risk is dilutional hyponatremia (low blood sodium), which can cause seizures — the reason intranasal desmopressin is no longer marketed for bedwetting; risk is higher in older adults and requires fluid restriction and sodium monitoring. Response in von Willebrand disease can wane with repeated dosing (tachyphylaxis).
- How is the quality of Desmopressin assessed?
- A regulated pharmaceutical product; authenticity means a licensed, pharmacy-dispensed drug, not a research-grade vial. Third-party CoA (purity + quantification + MS) is the minimum verification for any non-pharmaceutical source.