Infrequently, DDAVP has produced transient headache, nausea, mild abdominal cramps and vulval pain. These symptoms disappeared with reduction in dosage. Occasionally, injection of DDAVP has produced local erythema, swelling or burning pain. Occasional facial flushing has been reported with the administration of DDAVP. DDAVP Injection (desmopressin acetate injection) has infrequently produced changes in blood pressure causing either a slight elevation or a transient fall and a compensatory increase in heart rate. Severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis have been reported rarely with DDAVP Injection.

See WARNINGS for the possibility of water intoxication and hyponatremia.

Post Marketing: There have been rare reports of thrombotic events (acute cerebrovascular thrombosis, acute myocardial infarction) following DDAVP Injection in patients predisposed to thrombus formation, and rare reports of hyponatremic convulsions associated with concomitant use with the following medications: oxybutinin and imipramine.

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

Although the pressor activity of DDAVP is very low compared with the antidiuretic activity, use of doses as large as 0.3 mcg/kg of DDAVP with other pressor agents should be done only with careful patient monitoring. The concomitant administration of drugs that may increase the risk of water intoxication with hyponatremia, (e.g. tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, chlorpromazine, opiate analgesics, NSAIDs, lamotrigine and carbamazepine) should be performed with caution.

DDAVP has been used with epsilon aminocaproic acid without adverse effects.

Last reviewed on RxList: 2/12/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.