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Desmopressin

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Pronounced

"dess-mow-PRESS-in"

Common brand names:

DDAVP

Uses

Desmopressin is used to control the amount of urine your kidneys make. Normally, the amount of urine you make is controlled by a certain substance in the body called vasopressin. In people who have "water diabetes" (diabetes insipidus) or certain kinds of head injury or brain surgery, the body does not make enough vasopressin. Desmopressin is a man-made form of vasopressin and is used to replace a low level of vasopressin. This medication helps to control increased thirst and too much urination due to these conditions, and helps prevent dehydration.

Desmopressin is also used to control nighttime bedwetting in children. It reduces how often your child urinates and decreases the number of bedwetting episodes.

How to Use This Medication

For the treatment of diabetes insipidus, take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 3 times a day.

For the treatment of bedwetting, take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once a day at bedtime. Children should limit the fluids they drink after dinner, especially 1 hour before the desmopressin dose until the next morning, or at least 8 hours after the dose. If your child wakes up during the night, limit the amount that your child drinks.

All patients taking desmopressin, especially children and older adults, must limit drinking of water and other fluids. Consult your doctor for details. If you find that you are drinking more fluids than directed, tell your doctor right away. Your treatment will need to be adjusted.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not take more desmopressin or take it more often than prescribed.

Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if this medication stops working well.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2025.