From the Guidelines
The duration of action of Desmopressin (DDAVP) is 10 to 12 hours, as stated in the practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with enuresis 1.
Key Points
- The duration of action of DDAVP can vary depending on the formulation, with the nasal spray and oral tablet forms having different durations of action.
- The antidiuretic effect of DDAVP usually begins within an hour and lasts for 10 to 12 hours, according to the study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 1.
- Individual patient factors, such as metabolism, kidney function, and age, can affect the duration of action of DDAVP.
Mechanism of Action
- DDAVP works by mimicking the action of vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone), which increases water reabsorption in the kidneys, reducing urine output.
- Patients should be aware that drinking excessive fluids while on DDAVP can lead to water retention and hyponatremia, so fluid intake should be carefully managed during treatment.
Clinical Considerations
- The study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 1 recommends monitoring serum electrolyte levels at least once early in treatment, especially in patients with intercurrent illnesses that may affect hydration status or alter drug absorption.
- Common side effects of DDAVP include headache, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and nasal congestion, which are relatively rare 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
As a result, desmopressin acetate provides a prompt onset of antidiuretic action with a long duration after each administration The biphasic half-lives of desmopressin acetate were 7.8 and 75. 5 minutes for the fast and slow phases, respectively The increase is rapid and evident within 30 minutes, reaching a maximum at a point ranging from 90 minutes to two hours. Tachyphylaxis (lessening of response) with repeated administration (i.e., given more frequently than every 48 hours) may occur. The initial response is reproducible if desmopressin acetate injection is administered every 2 to 3 days.
The duration of action of Desmopressin (DDAVP) is long after each administration, with a rapid onset within 30 minutes and reaching a maximum at 90 minutes to 2 hours. The half-lives of desmopressin acetate are 7.8 and 75.5 minutes for the fast and slow phases, respectively. Repeated administration more frequently than every 48 hours may result in tachyphylaxis, but the initial response is reproducible if administered every 2 to 3 days 2.
From the Research
Duration of Action of Desmopressin (DDAVP)
The duration of action of Desmopressin (DDAVP) is not explicitly stated in the provided studies. However, the following information can be gathered:
- DDAVP has a longer duration of action compared to Vasopressin 3
- The drug has been used in various treatment regimens, including oral and nasal administration, with different dosages and frequencies 3, 4, 5
- The effects of DDAVP can last for several hours, as evidenced by its ability to reduce urine volume and increase urine osmolality in patients with Central Diabetes Insipidus 3
- The duration of action of DDAVP can be influenced by factors such as dosage, administration route, and individual patient response 4, 5
Key Findings
- DDAVP is effective in treating Central Diabetes Insipidus, with a significant reduction in urine volume and increase in urine osmolality 3
- DDAVP is also effective in treating bleeding disorders, such as mild hemophilia and type 1 von Willebrand's disease 4
- The drug has been used to treat severe nocturnal enuresis in adolescents, with a significant reduction in the number of wet nights per week 5
- DDAVP can cause severe electrolyte imbalance, including hyponatremia, especially in patients with certain medical conditions or taking certain medications 6, 7
Administration and Dosage
- DDAVP can be administered orally or nasally, with different dosages and frequencies depending on the specific treatment regimen 3, 4, 5
- The dosage of DDAVP can range from 400-600 micrograms per day, divided into 2-3 administrations 3
- The drug should be used with caution in infants and small children under the age of 18 months, due to the risk of water intoxication and electrolyte imbalance 4