What it is
Desmopressin is a man-made version of vasopressin, the hormone that tells the kidneys to hold on to water. It lasts longer than the natural hormone and has little effect on blood pressure.
It reduces urine production and, in the injection form, can also raise clotting factors in some bleeding disorders.
US regulatory status
FDA-approved for central diabetes insipidus, primary nighttime bedwetting in children (tablets), certain cases of nighttime urination in adults (Nocdurna), and, in injection form, for hemophilia A and von Willebrand disease. Some products carry a boxed warning for dangerously low sodium.
What the research shows
Desmopressin has decades of clinical use and is a standard treatment for central diabetes insipidus and bedwetting. Its ability to raise clotting factors in mild hemophilia A and some types of von Willebrand disease is well documented.
How it is given
Oral tablet, sublingual tablet, nasal spray or injection
Commonly reported side effects
- Headache
- Low sodium (hyponatremia)
- Nausea
- Flushing
- Nasal congestion (spray)
- Stomach pain
Questions to ask your provider
- How much fluid should I drink while taking desmopressin?
- What are the warning signs of low sodium?
- Do I need regular blood tests?