Ddavp (Desmopressin Acetate)

What is Ddavp?

DDAVP is a synthetic form of the pituitary hormone 8-arginine vasopressin responsible for the regulation of blood flow, blood pressure, and kidney processes in the body. It is a drug that regulates the excesses of water retention in the body.

What is Ddavp used for?

DDAVP is generally given to patients who suffer from central cranial diabetes insipidus with increased thirst and renal activity caused by a surgery on the head. It is also given to children who suffer from excessive bedwetting at night.

How does Ddavp work?

DDAVP works as a synthetic replacement for the lowered level of vasopressin in the body. When the level of vasopressin in the body is less, DDAVP is given to replace the natural hormone and stabilize the renal activity.

How to use Ddavp

Take DDAVP in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer period or in larger amount than prescribed, may cause health problems.

For diabetics: desmopressin can be taken orally. The medicine is usually taken twice or thrice daily. It is important to keep a vigilant check on your water intake while taking this drug. Your treatment depends on your medical condition. The regularity in taking the tablets is to be strictly maintained.

For children: The tablet should be given only once daily (at night) before going to bed. Restriction of fluid intake at least one hour before the ingestion of the drug is to be observed.

Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day. Get your blood tested on a regular basis, while taking this medicine.

Ddavp warnings and precautions

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to desmopressin, or if you are suffering from severe kidney problem, or have had suffered from hyponatremia.

While being administered a DDAVP course, remember to keep a strict watch on your fluid intake so as to cut down potential hyponatremia (low sodium levels in the body) and a possibly rare case of plasma osmolality.

If a patient is suffering from cystic fibrosis, extremely cautious amount of DDAVP dose has to be administered to prevent a severe electrolyte imbalance.

Prior to taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you are suffering from low or high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart problems such as congestive heart failure or coronary artery disease, electrolyte imbalance, or a certain psychologic condition that causes unusual or extreme thirst.

Pregnant and lactating women are advised to seek permission from their doctors before taking DDAVP doses.

What do I do if I have missed a Ddavp dose?

If you have missed your DDAVP dose, you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Ddavp overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of DDAVP, see if you are suffering from headache, urination problems, drowsiness and confusion. If you confirm any such symptom, seek immediate medical attention.

Ddavp interactions

Before taking DDAVP, tell your doctor about all prescription and non prescription medicines that you are on, especially if you are taking lamotrigine, chlorpromazine, carbamazepine, vasopressin, oxybutynin, SSRI antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants, beta blockers, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs); narcotic pain killers such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, fentanyl; or medicines to treat prostate disorder high blood pressure, or erectile dysfunction.

Ddavp side effects

The side effects of DDAVP can include allergic symptoms like hives, shortness of breath, and swelling experienced on the face, throat and tongue. If you suffer from nausea and constant vomiting, severe headache, confusion, anxiety, dangerously high blood pressure, hallucinations, sudden weight gain, chest pain and simultaneous seizure, blurring of vision and feel faint, stop taking the medicine and seek immediate medical attention.

There are some less serious side effects from DDAVP that include mild stomach pain, headache, redness and tingling in the face.