Desmopressin (or DDAVP) is an active ingredient used to treat various conditions related to body fluid control and blood clotting, particularly indicated for the treatment of diabetes insipidus, nocturnal enuresis, and certain forms of hemophilia.
In this article, we analyze the active ingredient and how it works, highlighting its main clinical uses, dosage, main side effects, and contraindications.
What is desmopressin, and how does it work?
Desmopressin is a synthetic analogue of vasopressin, an antidiuretic hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, which helps regulate the body’s water balance and urine production. Compared to its natural form, desmopressin has a more prolonged and selective action on renal receptors, with less effect on blood pressure. In addition, this active ingredient can increase levels of factor VIII, or anti-hemophilic factor, which plays an essential role in the blood clotting process.
This dual action (renal and hemostatic) explains the drug’s versatility in different therapeutic areas. It is commercially available in different formulations: tablets, nasal sprays, vials, or drops, depending on the therapeutic indication and clinical need.
What is desmopressin used for?
Thanks to its regulatory action in the processes of diuresis and coagulation, desmopressin is mainly used in three areas:
- Diabetes insipidus: a type of diabetes which, unlike diabetes mellitus, is caused by an alteration in the functioning of vasopressin. During treatment, desmopressin reduces excessive urine production and intense thirst, compensating for the deficiency of natural vasopressin.
- Nocturnal enuresis: In children and adolescents, it helps control nocturnal urination by regulating urine production.
- Regulation of thirst and urination: In general, it can be used to treat excessive thirst or abnormal urine output caused by head trauma or surgery.
- Coagulation disorders: thanks to its factor VIII-releasing action, it is used as a supportive treatment in some mild forms of hemophilia A and in type 1 von Willebrand disease.
Dosage and side effects of desmopressin
The dosage varies depending on the condition and the route of administration (oral, nasal, or intravenous) and must always be determined by the treating physician.
In industrial or research settings, its safety profile is important: the drug is generally well tolerated, but it can cause water retention and, in rare cases, hyponatremia if not accompanied by adequate monitoring of fluid intake.
The most common side effects include headache, nausea, and mild gastrointestinal disturbances, which are generally temporary. It is contraindicated in cases of heart or kidney failure, or in the presence of low blood sodium levels.
Flarer and the distribution of desmopressin
As an active ingredient of great clinical importance, desmopressin requires high standards of quality and safety throughout the supply chain. At Flarer, we guarantee the distribution of APIs such as desmopressin with full traceability, regulatory compliance, and specialized technical support.
Our team of consultants is available to assist companies in choosing the most suitable active ingredients and developing tailor-made solutions. Contact us to find out more.