Desmopressin nasal (DDAVP) is used to control the symptoms of a certain type of diabetes insipidus ('water diabetes'; a condition in which the body produces an abnormally large amount of urine). Desmopressin nasal (DDAVP) is also used to control excessive thirst and the passage of an abnormally large amount of urine that may occur after a head injury or after certain types of surgery. Desmopressin nasal (Noctiva) is used to control frequent nighttime urination in adults who awaken at least 2 times per night to urinate. Desmopressin nasal (Stimate) is used to stop some types of bleeding in people with hemophilia and von Willebrand's disease (a bleeding disorder) with certain blood levels. Desmopressin nasal is in a class of medications called antidiuretic hormones. It works by replacing vasopressin, a hormone that is normally produced in the body to help balance the amount of water and salt.

Desmopressin nasal comes as a liquid that is administered into the nose through a rhinal tube (thin plastic tube that is placed in the nose to administer medication), and as a nasal spray. It is usually used one to three times a day. When desmopressin nasal is used to treat hemophilia and von Willebrand's disease, 1 to 2 spray(s) are given daily. Use desmopressin nasal at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use nasal desmopressin exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Intranasal DDAVP at high dosage has infrequently produced a slight elevation of blood pressure, which disappeared with a reduction in dosage. The drug should be used with caution in patients with coronary artery insufficiency and/or hypertensive cardiovascular disease because of possible rise in blood pressure. Since DDAVP is used intranasally, changes in the nasal mucosa such as scarring, edema or other disease may cause erratic, unreliable absorption in which case intranasal DDAVP should not be used. For such situations, DDAVP Injection should be considered.

Infrequently, high dosages of intranasal DDAVP have produced transient headaches and nausea. Nasal congestion, rhinitis, and flushing have also been reported occasionally along with mild abdominal cramps. These symptoms disappeared with the reduction in dosage. Nosebleed, sore throat, cough, and upper respiratory infections have also been reported.

DDAVP can infrequently cause low levels of sodium in the blood, which can be serious and possibly life-threatening. Seek immediate medical attention if you have symptoms of low levels of sodium in the blood, including:

- Loss of appetite

- Nausea

- Vomiting

- Severe headache

- Muscle weakness/spasms/cramps

- Weight gain

- Unusual tiredness

- Dizziness

- Severe drowsiness

- mental/mood changes (confusion, hallucinations, irritability)

- Loss of consciousness

- Seizures

- Slow/shallow breathing

How long does desmopressin stay in your system?

Desmopressin has the most effective about 1 hour after you take it. After 1 hour, the clotting levels begin to fall off. For most people, desmopressin keeps working for 8-12 hours. A repeat dose may be given at the discretion of your hematologist.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Your doctor may tell you to limit the amount of fluid you drink, especially in the evening, during your treatment with desmopressin. Follow your doctor's directions carefully to prevent serious side effects.

How does desmopressin stop bleeding?

Desmopressin (DDAVP®) is used to help stop bleeding in patients with von Willebrand's disease or mild hemophilia A.