Prescription Required
Description
DDAVP (which stands for 1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin) is an oral tablet made up of an antidiuretic hormone called desmopressin. We carry the brand choice DDAVP in 0.1mg and 0.2mg.
DDAVP (Desmopressin) is a man made form of vasopressin (a natural hormone found in the pituitary gland) which has an effect on various body functions such as affecting blood pressure, kidney function, and regulating how the body uses water. When the body doesn’t have enough vasopressin, your kidneys may excrete an extra amount of water; this will cause a high frequency in needing to urinate, dehydration, and can even cause low blood pressure.
In conditions like diabetes insipidus (“water diabetes”) and in certain cases of head injury or brain surgery, the body does not produce enough vasopressin. DDAVP is prescribed to patients with those conditions to replace the loss vasopressin with desmopressin to control their possible excessive thirst and urination due to the condition. DDAVP works to treat these conditions by increasing the water permeability (how easily liquid and gas passes through something) in the renal tubular cells, decreasing the urine volume and increasing the urine concentration. This also helps decrease the chance of dehydration. DDAVP is also prescribed to those who cannot control their nighttime bedwetting.
DDAVP comes in other forms such as DDAVP Nasal Spray and DDAVP Melt (oral).
Side Effects
Common side effects of DDAVP may include:
- headache,
- nausea,
- upset stomach or stomach pain,
- diarrhea, or.
- lushing of the face (warmth, redness, tingly feeling)
The above side effects should not alarm you.
Serious side effects of DDAVP may include:
- swelling, weight gain;
- a seizure;
- weak or shallow breathing; or
- a light-headed feeling, like you, might pass out
If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.
Signs to watch for:
Low sodium: headache, confusion, hallucinations, muscle cramps, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling restless or unsteady;
FAQs
What is DDAVP?
DDVAP is a brand-name prescription medication; it comes in the form of a tablet for oral administration. Each tablet contains a fixed amount of an antidiuretic hormone called desmopressin; available in 0.1 or 0.2 mg.
What is Desmopressin?
Desmopressin is the active ingredient found inside DDVAP responsible for its therapeutic effects. It is a synthetic (man-made) form of vasopressin, a naturally produced hormone responsible for regulating how the body uses water (urine production). Desmopressin has a half-life of 1.5-2.5 hours and is obtainable only with a valid prescription.
What is Desmopressin used for?
Desmopressin is used for certain conditions that affect the way your body uses water, often a result of low vasopressin levels. Diabetes insipidus and certain types of head injury or brain surgery can cause the body to produce an insufficient amount of vasopressin; this can cause increased thirst, urination, dehydration, and other unpleasant symptoms. Using desmopressin will help control/prevent these symptoms from occurring. Additionally, since desmopressin is an antidiuretic, it may also be used to reduce the frequency of bedwetting in children.
How does DDAVP work?
When your vasopressin levels are too low, your kidneys may produce too much urine. When that occurs, you risk dehydration due to the amount of water your body is losing due to frequent urination (polyuria); this is commonly followed by extreme thirst (polydipsia). DDVAP works by directly supplying the body with a synthetic form vasopressin; this synthetic form can replicate the actions of the natural hormone, which helps regulate how your body uses water; your body will have more control over how much urine your kidneys produce, thus reducing frequent urination and any consequential symptoms.
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