Desmopressin: What is it? Presentations, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions and Preservation

It is an artificial medicine analogous to vasopressin.

Vasopressin is, in a general sense, the antidiuretic hormone by antonomasia of the human body because it is natural as long as the body itself produces or releases it by itself.

As a natural hormone, it is released by the pituitary gland and is known to work or activate by increasing the water permeability in renal tubular cells. This causes the urine volume to decrease significantly and, in parallel, increases urine concentration.

Precisely for these properties and faculties, in people with diabetes insipid or negligible due to trauma or surgery in the pituitary region of the brain, this medication would work very well to reduce frequent urination, as well as thirst or thirst sensation from the patients.

In a separate case, the FDA approved desmopressin in February 1978.

What brand are names available for desmopressin pills?

As for brands, we can now speak of two, which are:

  • DDAVP.
  • Dear.

Are desmopressin pills available as a generic medicine?

Yes, different laboratories with patents have produced and distributed the medicine.

 

Do I need a prescription for desmopressin?

Yes, this medication should only be prescribed by a specialist doctor. Therefore, its consumption is regulated.

Side effects

The side effects of desmopressin can be summarized as follows:

However, there may also be changes in the blood pressure of the person who consumes it and also suffers from low sodium levels and, also, an increase in heart rate (tachycardia).

Dose

In cases of central diabetes insipidus:  Adults and children 12 years and older: start with 0.05 mg orally every 12 hours; you can assess up to 0.1 to 1.2 mg divided every 8 to 12 hours.

In children from 4 years to under 12 years of age, start with 0.05 mg orally every 12 hours; you can assess up to 0.1 to 0.8 mg divided every 8 to 12 hours.

The intranasal dose l: for adults and children older than 12 years is 10 to 40 mcg per day or divided and administered in 2 or 3 doses (every 8 or 12 hours). The dose for children from 3 months to 12 years is 5 to 30 mcg daily or divided and administered every 12 hours.

The intravenous dose: for adults and children over 12 years is 2 to 4 mcg per day. Children from 3 months to 12 years of age should receive 0.1-1 mcg per day or divided and administered every 12 hours.

Primary nocturnal enuresis: Adults and children six years of age and older: 0.1 to 0.2 mg orally before bedtime. (Can increase up to 0.6 mg if necessary)

Interactions

Desmopressin should be used with caution with tricyclic antidepressant medications, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, lamotrigine (Lamictal, Lamictal CD, Lamictal ODT, Lamictal XR), and opioid analgesics due to the increased risk of poisoning.

Is it safe to take desmopressin tablets if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

There have not been adequate studies on Desmopressin to determine the safe and effective use in pregnant women; in this sense, its administration is not advised unless it is by the hand of a specialist.

As for breastfeeding, say that desmopressin can be distributed in breast milk; however, there are no adequate studies to determine infant risk. It should be used with caution by nursing mothers.

Presentations

  • Tablets: 0.1 mg and 0.2 mg
  • Pulverizador nasal: 0,01 mg / ml y 1,5 mg / ml
  • Injection: 4 mcg / ml.

Preservation

  • Store the desmopressin tablets at room temperature between 20 C and 25 C (68 F 77 F).
  • Refrigerate the injection between 2 C and 8 C (36 F to 46 F).

Summary

Desmopressin acetate (DDAVP, Stimate, Minirin) is a medication prescribed to treat thirst and urination after a head injury or surgery involving the pituitary gland and the treatment of diabetes insipidus.

Before taking this medication, side effects, drug interactions, dosage, and storage information should be reviewed.