Catalog
Synthetic vasopressin V2-selective analog

Desmopressin (DDAVP)

V2-selective ADH analog — central DI, nocturnal enuresis, mild hemophilia A / vWD.

FDA-approvedGrade A — Clinically established
Target
V2R (renal collecting duct)

Mechanism of action

V2R agonist → aquaporin-2 trafficking → free-water reabsorption. Releases vWF/FVIII from endothelium.

Pharmacokinetics

Intranasal, oral, SC, IV. t½ ~1.5–3 h.

Clinical context

Central DI, primary nocturnal enuresis (with caution), perioperative bleeding in mild hemophilia A / type 1 vWD.

Safety

Black-box warning
Hyponatremia leading to seizures/death — fluid restriction required.
Contraindications
  • Moderate-severe renal impairment
  • Hyponatremia history
  • Heart failure (volume overload)
Adverse effects
  • Hyponatremia (potentially fatal — black-box for nasal in enuresis)

Relevant labs

Serum sodium

Covered in modules

Module 10
Oxytocin, Vasopressin & Social/Endocrine Peptides
What intranasal oxytocin can and can't do — and the established uses.

Related compounds

Posterior pituitary nonapeptide
Oxytocin

Generate prescriber-grade deep dive

Pull in expanded mechanism, PK/PD, dosing strategies for special populations, drug interactions, monitoring cadence, head-to-head differentials, prescriber pearls, and patient FAQs for Desmopressin (DDAVP).

Educational reference. Not medical advice. Always verify against current FDA labeling and local regulatory guidance before prescribing or counseling.