Desmopressin
| Drug monograph · NCLEX study reference | |
| Trade names | DDAVP |
|---|---|
| Therapeutic class | Antidiuretic hormone analog |
| Pharmacologic class | Synthetic vasopressin analog |
| Onset / peak / duration | Onset within 1 hour; duration variable by route. |
| Half-life / level | Half-life about 1.5 to 3.5 hours; no routine level. |
| Routes | PO (oral), IV, SubQ, Intranasal |
| High-alert (ISMP) | No |
| Black box warning | None |
| Antidote / reversal | None; fluid restriction and correction of sodium. |
| Pregnancy / lactation | Used when needed. |
Nursing pharmacology study reference (NCLEX-style monograph). Numeric values are standard teaching ranges for study and must be verified against current manufacturer labeling before clinical use. This is educational content, not prescribing guidance.
Desmopressin (brand name DDAVP) — Antidiuretic hormone analog; Synthetic vasopressin analog.
Identification
- Therapeutic class: Antidiuretic hormone analog.
- Pharmacologic class: Synthetic vasopressin analog.
Pharmacology
- Mechanism of action: Acts on renal V2 receptors to increase water reabsorption and increases von Willebrand factor and factor VIII.
- Onset / peak / duration: Onset within 1 hour; duration variable by route.
- Half-life / therapeutic level: Half-life about 1.5 to 3.5 hours; no routine level.
Clinical use
- Indications: Central diabetes insipidus, primary nocturnal enuresis, mild hemophilia A and von Willebrand disease.
- Usual dose, route, frequency: PO, intranasal, IV, or SubQ depending on indication.
- Maximum dose / adjustments: Restrict fluids around bleeding-indication dosing; reduce in renal impairment.
Safety
- Contraindications: Hyponatremia, moderate to severe renal impairment, fluid overload conditions.
- Black box warning: None (labeling carries strong hyponatremia and seizure cautions).
- Interactions: Drugs causing hyponatremia (SSRIs, carbamazepine, NSAIDs), other water-retaining agents.
- Pregnancy / lactation: Used when needed.
- High-alert: No.
Adverse effects
- Common side effects: Headache, nausea, nasal irritation (nasal form), flushing.
- Serious effects to report: Hyponatremia (headache, confusion, seizures), water intoxication.
- Antidote / reversal: None; fluid restriction and correction of sodium.
Nursing process
- Assessment before administration: Serum sodium, fluid status, weight, indication.
- Interventions during therapy: Monitor sodium; limit fluids as directed, especially for enuresis and bleeding uses.
- Monitor: Serum sodium, urine output, weight, bleeding parameters when used for hemostasis.
- Evaluation / expected outcome: Controlled urine output or adequate hemostasis.
Patient teaching
- Patient teaching: Follow fluid limits closely; report headache or confusion.
- Notify provider if: Headache, confusion, nausea, marked decrease in urination.
- Administration tips: Consistent route and timing; follow fluid restriction.