DDAVP and/or Equivalents

DDAVP (Desmopressin)

DDAVP Description

DDAVP is the trade name for Desmopressin. Desmopressin is the synthetic replacement for the hormone that helps reduce urine production. Inactive ingredients present in the drug are lactose, potato starch, povidone and magnesium stearate. The tablet form of DDAVP contains 0.1 or 0.2 mg of desmopressin acetate. DDAVP is available as an oral medication, intravenous medicine and nasal medicine.

Conditions Treated by DDAVP

Doctors usually prescribe DDAVP for patients suffering from chronic bedwetting, diabetes and nocturia. The medicine can be had orally, nasally or intravenously. Depending on the severity of a patient’s health and illness, doctors decide which way would be the best. Similarly, the recommend dosage value also fluctuates depending on a patient’s medical history and health condition. If a patient does not need constant checkups during medication then the oral medication may be administered.

DDAVP Dosage Information

a.) Typical dosage recommendations

Typical recommended dosages of DDAVP depend on an individual patient’s need and medical case. Patients may be advised to alternate between oral and intravenous DDAVP medication depending on how well their body responds to treatment. Usually, severely ill patients are administered the drug in larger doses, intravenously. Patients should be observed closely during DDAVP treatment and should be administered the medicine carefully. Slight changes in blood pressure or mineral imbalances should result in reduced dosage or complete stop of the medication. Patients also need to be observed closely to monitor adequate anti-diuretic response. Doctors need to constantly change the dosage to suit changes in the body. However, under normal circumstances, most doctors choose to begin DDAVP treatment with 0.5 mg tablets which is to be had twice a day.

b.) Missing a dose

Missing a dose of DDAVP can result in minor and sometimes even major health problems. When you realize that you have missed a dose, it is important to contact your doctor immediately. Dizziness, breathlessness, body discomfort, sudden need for fluids etc may be experienced. Depending on the seriousness of a patient’s condition, doctors may advise them to have a replacement dose immediately or to wait till the next dose is due. Usually, patients suffering from minor problems may not be largely affected by one missed dose.

c.) Overdosing

If you overdose on DDAVP you may experience extreme discomfort and sudden dehydration. Other symptoms like confusion, blood pressure fluctuations, disorientation etc may occur, it is important to contact your doctor immediately when you realize you have overdosed on DDAVP. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and changes in the minerals, your doctor would advise you on what to do. In most cases, overdose of DDAVP may require hospitalization.

DDAVP Warnings

Before beginning regular medication, it is important to check that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients in DDAVP. A simple allergy test would be sufficient. Some of the ingredients in the drug may react with other medication. It is important to inform your doctor if you are on any other medication before beginning regular DDAVP medication. If you have low sodium in your blood then it is advisable to avoid the medication. Patients suffering from serious diseases, kidney problems or liver ailments should avoid the medicine altogether. Patients who have suffered from heart problems, high blood pressure, blocked blood vessels, mineral imbalance etc should avoid the medicine. If you suffer from any bleeding or clotting problems then another medicine would be better than DDAVP. When patients suffer from dehydration, it is necessary for the dehydration to be treated before DDAVP can be administered. That is because, during medication patients are anyway advised to limit fluid and water intake. Reduce or avoid alcohol intake while on DDAVP medication as it can result in dehydration. Alcohol will also affect the way the desmopressin acetate works in the body. While on DDAVP medication if you suffer from flu, cold, fever, diarrhoea, vomiting etc then it is important to inform your doctor. These illnesses may result in dehydration and it may be necessary to stop the medication temporarily. If there are changes in weather, for instance, if the weather becomes too hot or too dry it may result in the need to drink more water and fluids. Inform your doctor if there is a rise in your fluid intake especially if you are on DDAVP medication. Children who are administered DDAVP are more prone to mineral imbalances in the body and should therefore be observed regularly while on the medication. It is important to get regular kidney and liver checks done while on the medication. These checks will help doctors monitor changes in mineral imbalances before they get too serious. Pregnant patients should avoid DDAVP medication. However, if it is absolutely required as a last resort then it may be administered under strict observation.

DDAVP Side Effects

It is common to experience certain side effects while on DDAVP. Minor side effects like headaches, nausea, swelling of the face may occur. If the symptoms last for a couple of hours then there is no reason to be worried. Most people who are prescribed DDAVP do not suffer from serious or life threatening side effects. However, medical attention may be required in certain cases. DDAP consumption may lead to reduced sodium levels in the blood. In order to avoid this, patients should drink less water and fluids during medication. If you experience loss of appetite, vomiting, muscle weakness, fatigue, cramps, sudden weight gain, mood swings or depression, irritability, restlessness, seizures, shallow breathing then it is advisable to stop medication and seek your doctor’s advice immediately. Other minor symptoms like rash, skin irritation, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing are common with DDAVP use. Sometimes patients suffer from side effects other than the ones listed above. It is important to inform your doctor if you suffer from any changes in the body or experience any discomfort. In certain cases, side effects are unique to patients.

DDAVP Drug Interactions

Large doses of DDAVP should only be used with other pressor agents. Drugs known to interact with DDAVP include anti-depressants, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, chlorpromazine, analgesics and lamotrigine.

If you have any questions about buying discount DDAVP online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.

Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

DDAVP and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information