Brand Names: DDAVP

Generic Name: desmopressin (oral) (Pronunciation: DEZ mo press in)

• What is desmopressin (DDAVP)?
• What are the possible side effects of desmopressin (DDAVP)?
• What is the most important information I should know about oral desmopressin (DDAVP)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking oral desmopressin (DDAVP)?
• How should I take desmopressin (DDAVP)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (DDAVP)?
• What happens if I overdose (DDAVP)?
• What should I avoid while taking desmopressin (DDAVP)?
• What other drugs will affect desmopressin (DDAVP)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is desmopressin (DDAVP)?

Desmopressin is a man-made form of a hormone that occurs naturally in the pituitary gland. This hormone is important for many functions including blood flow, blood pressure, kidney function, and regulating how the body uses water.

Desmopressin is used to treat bed-wetting, central cranial diabetes insipidus, and increased thirst and urination caused by head surgery or head trauma.

Desmopressin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

DDAVP 0.1 mg

oval, white, imprinted with RPR, DDAVP 01

DDAVP 0.2 mg

round, white, imprinted with DDAVP 0.2, RPR

Desmopressin 0.1 mg-APO

round, white, imprinted with APO, DES 0.1

Desmopressin 0.1 mg-BAR

oval, white, imprinted with 232/0.1, barr

Desmopressin 0.1 mg-TEV

oblong, white, imprinted with 9 3, 7316

Desmopressin 0.2 mg-APO

round, white, imprinted with APO, DES 0.2

Desmopressin 0.2 mg-BAR

oval, white, imprinted with 232 0.2, barr

Desmopressin 0.2 mg-TEV

round, white, imprinted with 9 3, 7317

What are the possible side effects of desmopressin (DDAVP)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking desmopressin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• nausea, vomiting, weakness, loss of appetite, headache, feeling restless or irritable, confusion, hallucinations, muscle pain or weakness, and/or seizure;
• feeling like you might pass out;
• swelling, weight gain; or
• dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure).

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache;
• nausea, mild stomach pain;
• diarrhea; or
• warmth, redness, or tingly feeling in your face.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the DDAVP (desmopressin acetate tablets) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about oral desmopressin (DDAVP)?

It is very important to reduce your intake of water and other fluids while you are taking desmopressin. Drinking too much water can cause your body to lose sodium, which may lead to a serious, life-threatening electrolyte imbalance.

Fluid restriction is especially important in children and older adults taking desmopressin. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink.

You should not use this medication if you have severe kidney disease or if you have ever had hyponatremia (low sodium levels in your body).

Before taking desmopressin, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, high or low blood pressure, an electrolyte imbalance, or a psychological disorder that causes extreme or unusual thirst.

To be sure desmopressin is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested often. This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with this medication. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.