desmopressin

Last reviewed 01/2018

Desmopressin is a synthetic analogue of vasopressin.

Therapeutic uses include:

  • diabetes insipidus, nephrogenic and cranial
  • in the management of bleeding diatheses, particularly von Willebrands disease and haemophillia
  • in the short term management of some nocturnal enuresis and post-operative polyuria and polydipsia

It may also be used in the assessment of polydipsia in the water deprivation test.