desmopressin acetate trihydrate at a glance
Medicine class
Vasopressin analogue with an antidiuretic effect.
Main role
Reduces excessive production of dilute urine in central diabetes insipidus.
Key safety issue
Excess fluid intake can cause water retention and dangerously low blood sodium.
What is desmopressin acetate trihydrate used for?
The selected UK nasal spray is licensed for:
Vasopressin-sensitive central diabetes insipidus.
Diagnostic assessment of the kidneys' concentrating capacity under clinical supervision.
It is not licensed for primary nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting).
How does desmopressin acetate trihydrate work?
Desmopressin increases water reabsorption in the kidneys, returning more water to the bloodstream and reducing urine volume. Compared with natural vasopressin, its antidiuretic action is enhanced and prolonged while its effect on blood vessels is much weaker.
desmopressin acetate trihydrate preparations and strengths
Nasal preparation
Route: Nasal
Strengths: 10 micrograms/dose
How to take desmopressin acetate trihydrate
Use only as prescribed and follow the leaflet's fluid instructions. Nasal blockage, inflammation, scarring or swelling can make absorption unreliable; contact the treating team if a nasal condition prevents normal use.
Blow the nose before use.
Keep the bottle upright, place the nozzle in the nostril and breathe in slightly while pressing the pump quickly and evenly.
Prime the pump before first use as described in the leaflet; re-prime if it has not been used recently.
Wipe the nozzle, replace the cap and store the bottle upright.
Do not deliberately drink excess fluid while desmopressin is active.
desmopressin acetate trihydrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Red or irritated eyes.
- Weakness or unusual tiredness.
- Headache, nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, nasal congestion, runny nose or nosebleeds can also occur, although they are less common with this spray.
Get urgent medical advice
- Hyponatraemia or water intoxication: severe or prolonged headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, swelling, rapid weight gain, seizures or reduced consciousness.
- Severe allergic reaction: widespread rash or itching, wheezing, breathing difficulty, dizziness, or swelling of the face or lips.
- Raised blood pressure or chest pain, particularly in someone with cardiovascular disease.
desmopressin acetate trihydrate in pregnancy
Desmopressin may be used during pregnancy when clinically necessary, but available data are limited. Specialist review is appropriate, with attention to fluid balance, sodium and blood pressure.
desmopressin acetate trihydrate while breastfeeding
Very little intranasal desmopressin enters breast milk, and oral absorption by the infant is poor. It is generally considered acceptable when clinically needed, although individual circumstances should be reviewed, especially for a newborn or premature infant.
desmopressin acetate trihydrate interactions
Medicines that alter desmopressin's antidiuretic effect may reduce its effectiveness or increase the risk of low sodium. Tell the prescriber about prescription, pharmacy and over-the-counter products.
NSAIDs, including ibuprofen
May enhance water retention and increase the risk of hyponatraemia.
SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants and chlorpromazine
May strengthen the antidiuretic effect and increase the risk of water intoxication and hyponatraemia.
Carbamazepine or clofibrate
May strengthen the antidiuretic effect and increase the risk of water intoxication and hyponatraemia.
Common questions about desmopressin acetate trihydrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can desmopressin nasal spray be used for bedwetting?
No. UK nasal desmopressin products are not licensed for primary nocturnal enuresis because this route has a greater reported risk of hyponatraemia than oral formulations.
Why can desmopressin cause low sodium?
It makes the kidneys retain water. If fluid intake exceeds the body's needs, the retained water dilutes sodium in the blood.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.