Desmopressin

Desmopressin: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• Binds to and activates ADH receptors in the kidney’s collecting ducts.
• Desmopressin, a vasopressin analog, has a prolonged duration of action than vasopressin but no vasoconstrictor activity.
• Increases the amounts of von Willebrand factor, factor VIII, and plasminogen.

Uses of Desmopressin

• Central diabetes insipidus diagnosis and therapy.
• Used in the modified water deprivation test. Before administering the exam, evaluate adrenocortical function.
• To increase factor VIII and von Willebrand factor levels in individuals with mild to moderate hemophilia A or von Willebrand’s disease.
• Desmopressin is ineffective in treating severe forms of these illnesses.

Dose of Desmopressin in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

• Coagulopathies: 1–4 μg/kg i.v. once; dilute in 20 ml saline and given over 10 min.
• Diabetes insipidus diagnosis: (modified water deprivation test): 1–4 μg/dog i.v. once.
• Diabetes insipidus treatment ( chose one of the following routes of administration:
• 1–4 μg/dog i.v., i.m.
• 5–20 μg/ dog or 0.05–0.2 ml/dog intranasally or onto the conjunctiva q8–24h.
• 5 μg/kg p.o. q8–24h initially (maximum dose 400 μg p.o. q8h).
• The dose and frequency of dosing can be increased or decreased according to response.

Cats:

• 5 μg (micrograms)/cat.
• 0.05 ml (1–2 drops) intranasally or onto the conjunctiva q8–24h.
• 5 μg/cat p.o. q8–24h initially.

The dose and frequency of dosing can be increased or decreased according to response.

Side Effects of Desmopressin in Dogs and Cats

No information available

Contraindications of Desmopressin in Dogs and Cats

• Do not perform the modified water deprivation test in patients with hyponatremia, renal disease, dehydration, or hypercalcemia.