Desmopressin

Classification

Vasopressin analogue (V2-selective)

Approval status

Approved medicine

Research status

Labelled indications are defined in product information.

Molecular formula

Insufficient reliable evidence identified.

Molecular weight

Insufficient reliable evidence identified.

Sequence

Synthetic analogue of arginine vasopressin with D-amino acid and deamination modifications.

Primary biological target

Vasopressin V2 receptor

Half-life

Insufficient reliable evidence identified.

Routes investigated

Oral, Sublingual, Intranasal, Injection

Human evidence level

A — Approved clinical use / strong human evidence

Approved peptide analogue for diabetes insipidus, nocturnal enuresis and selected bleeding disorders, as labelled per product.

Established (labelled / textbook receptor pharmacology)

V2-receptor agonism increases aquaporin-2 mediated water reabsorption; extra-renal effects on haemostasis at higher labelled uses.

Antidiuretic and, in some products, haemostatic effects.

• Central diabetes insipidus
• Nocturnal enuresis
• von Willebrand / haemophilia adjuncts (product-specific)

Investigational findings are not proven clinical benefits unless an authority has labelled that indication.

Overall human evidence grade: A · Approved clinical use / strong human evidence

Long-standing labelled use.

Animal, cell and in-vitro findings are listed separately from human effects.

V2 receptor pharmacology is established.

This section does not provide personalised medical dosing. Values are those reported in papers or protocols. Animal mg/kg doses are not converted to human doses.

Doses reported in human studies

Insufficient reliable evidence identified.

Preclinical / animal study dosing

Insufficient reliable evidence identified.

Reliable human pharmacokinetic data were not identified for this encyclopaedia entry, or are limited to product information for approved presentations.

Hyponatraemia is the principal serious risk if fluid intake is not managed.

Unknowns. Absence of a published harm signal is not evidence of safety.

Contraindications. Habitual or psychogenic polydipsia, hyponatraemia — see PI.

Approved widely (FDA/EMA/TGA product-specific).

ARTG-registered. Not sold here.

1. [1] Desmopressin product information

   Desmopressin product information

   Open source