Desmopressin
A synthetic analogue of vasopressin (ADH) FDA-approved for diabetes insipidus, bedwetting, and bleeding disorders.
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What is Desmopressin?
Desmopressin is a synthetic analogue of arginine vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone/ADH) with enhanced antidiuretic activity and minimal vasopressor effects. It is FDA-approved for central diabetes insipidus, primary nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting), and hemophilia A/von Willebrand disease. It reduces urine production by acting on V2 receptors in the kidney.
Why People Talk About It
Central diabetes insipidus treatment
StrongNocturnal enuresis (bedwetting)
StrongHemophilia A and von Willebrand disease
StrongNocturia (nighttime urination) in adults
ModerateHow It Works
Desmopressin tells your kidneys to hold onto water instead of making urine. It mimics the natural hormone ADH but is designed to work specifically on the kidneys without raising blood pressure.
Common Questions
Safety Information
Common Side Effects
Cautions
- • Risk of hyponatremia (low sodium) — fluid intake must be restricted
- • Not for use with polydipsia
- • Monitor sodium levels, especially in elderly
What We Don't Know
Well-characterized safety profile with decades of clinical use.
Published Research
33 studiesDesmopressin for nocturnal enuresis in children
Preoperative Desmopressin for Bleeding Reduction During Rhinoplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Pharmacological treatment of pediatric nocturnal enuresis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Efficacy and Safety of Desmopressin in Terms of Bleeding and Transfusion in Cardiac Surgery With Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
DDAVP response and its determinants in bleeding disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Central diabetes insipidus (vasopressin deficiency) after surgery for pituitary tumours: a systematic review and meta-analysis
The conundrum of differentiating Cushing's syndrome from non-neoplastic hypercortisolism: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Safety and efficacy of desmopressin (DDAVP) in preventing hematoma expansion in intracranial hemorrhage associated with antiplatelet drugs use: A systematic review and metaanalysis
Inferior Petrosal Sinus Sampling Tumor Lateralization and the Surgical Treatment of Cushing Disease: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Accuracy of the 10 μg desmopressin test for differential diagnosis of Cushing syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Efficacy and safety of desmopressin in nocturia and nocturnal polyuria control of neurological patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Dynamic Testing for Differential Diagnosis of ACTH-Dependent Cushing Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Drugs to reduce bleeding and transfusion in major open vascular or endovascular surgery: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Efficacy of prophylactic pre-operative desmopressin administration during functional endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo-controlled trials
Second-line tests in the differential diagnosis of neoplastic and non-neoplastic hypercortisolism: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Diagnostic accuracy of bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling using desmopressin or corticotropic- releasing hormone in ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Laboratory assays of VWF activity and use of desmopressin trials in the diagnosis of VWD: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Alternative Medical Interventions Versus Conventional Treatment of Renal Colic: An Updated Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
The efficacy of different forms of acupuncture for the treatment of nocturnal enuresis in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis
The efficacy and safety of desmopressin acetate applied for nocturia in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Positive predictive value and trends of inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) in diagnosing cushing disease and ectopic ACTH secretion: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Monosymptomatic Nocturnal Enuresis Treatment Using Alarm-Therapy and Desmopressin: A Meta-analysis Approach
Effect of desmopressin on hematoma expansion in antiplatelet-associated intracerebral hemorrhage: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Comparison of desmopressin, alarm, desmopressin plus alarm, and desmopressin plus anticholinergic agents in the management of paediatric monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis: a network meta-analysis
Efficacy and safety of desmopressin in women with nocturia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Desmopressin for treating nocturia in men
Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Alarm versus Desmopressin Therapy for Pediatric Monosymptomatic Enuresis
Desmopressin for treating nocturia in men
Desmopressin for treatment of platelet dysfunction and reversal of antiplatelet agents: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Immediate 1-month efficacy of desmopressin and anticholinergic combination therapy versus desmopressin monotherapy in the treatment of pediatric enuresis: A meta-analysis
[Clinical evaluation of desmopressin (DDAVP) in diabetes insipidus: solution vs tablets]
MODERN APPROACH IN TREATMENT OF μ DIABETES INSIPIDUS
Desmopressin administration in children with central diabetes insipidus: a retrospective review
Always consult a qualified clinician
This information is for educational purposes. Peptide therapy should be guided by a licensed healthcare provider. Connect with a Noho clinician
Related Peptides
Quick Facts
- Class
- Vasopressin Analogue
- Evidence
- Strong
- Safety
- Well-Studied
- Updated
- Mar 2026
- Citations
- 33PubMed
Also known as
Tags
Related Goals
Evidence Score
Clinical Trials
View Clinical TrialsLinks to ClinicalTrials.gov for reference. Listing does not imply endorsement.
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