DDAVP

Generic name: desmopressin (nasal)
Brand names: DDAVP Nasal, DDAVP Rhinal Tube, Noctiva, Stimate
Drug class: Antidiuretic hormones

Medically reviewed by A Ras MD.

What is DDAVP?

DDAVP is a prescription medicine called a vasopressin analog used as an antidiuretic replacement to manage central diabetes insipidus.

DDAVP is not effective in the treatment of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. DDAVP should not be used in people with nasal problems that may keep them from using a nasal spray.

Description

DDAVP® Injection (desmopressin acetate) 4 mcg/mL is a synthetic analogue of the natural pituitary hormone 8-arginine vasopressin (ADH), an antidiuretic hormone affecting renal water conservation. It is chemically defined as follows:

Mol. Wt. 1183.34

Empirical Formula: C46H64N14O12S2•C2H4O2•3H2O

1-(3-mercaptopropionic acid)-8-D-arginine vasopressin monoacetate (salt) trihydrate

DDAVP Injection 4 mcg/mL is provided as a sterile, aqueous solution for injection.

Each mL provides:	Desmopressin acetate	4 mcg
	Sodium chloride	9 mg
	Hydrochloric acid to adjust pH to 4

The 10 mL vial contains chlorobutanol as a preservative (5 mg/mL).

Who should not use DDAVP?

Do not use DDAVP if you:

are allergic to DDAVP or any of the ingredients in DDAVP. Some people have had severe allergic reactions while taking DDAVP. See the end of this Patient Information for a complete list of ingredients in DDAVP.
have kidney problems
have or have had low levels of sodium in your blood (hyponatremia)

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using DDAVP?

Before using DDAVP, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions including if you:

have or have had nasal sores, nasal surgery, nasal injury, or have problems such as a stuffy nose or trouble breathing through your nose.
have or have had any heart, blood circulation, or blood pressure problems
have a condition that causes fluid or water imbalance problems such as cystic fibrosis, or heart failure.
have or have had a condition that causes you to be very thirsty
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if DDAVP will harm your unborn baby.
are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if DDAVP passes into your breast milk. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will use DDAVP.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

How should I use DDAVP?

Read the Instructions for Use that comes with your DDAVP.
Use DDAVP exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to use it.
Your healthcare provider may change your dose of DDAVP if needed.

What are the possible side effects of DDAVP?

DDAVP may cause serious side effects including:

low levels of sodium in the blood (hyponatremia). People using DDAVP are at risk for low sodium levels in the blood, water intoxication, and fluid overload. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on limiting the amount of fluid you can drink when using DDAVP.
- Do not drink more than you need to satisfy your thirst. You can have serious side effects such as seizures, coma, and death from drinking too much fluid.
- Children and the elderly are at higher risk for these problems and should follow their healthcare provider’s limits on drinking fluids.
- Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms while using DDAVP. They may mean that your blood sodium level is too low.
  - headache
  - restlessness
  - disorientation
  - feeling irritable
  - hallucinations
  - nausea, vomiting
  - tiredness
  - loss of appetite
  - feeling weak
  - confusion
  - weight gain
  - sleepiness
  - muscle cramps
- nasal scarring or swelling. Some people using DDAVP for long periods of time may have nasal problems such as scarring or swelling. This may affect how well DDAVP works for you.

The most common side effects of DDAVP include:

headache, stuffy nose, runny nose, nosebleed, sore throat, cough, upper respiratory infections, nausea, flushing, and stomach cramps.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

General information about the safe and effective use of DDAVP

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use DDAVP for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give DDAVP to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about DDAVP that is written for health professionals. For more information call 1-888-FERRING (1-888-337-7464).