Desmopressin Intravenous for Adults

Who can administer

May be administered by registered competent doctor or nurse/midwife

Available preparations

DDAVP Desmopressin 4 microgram per 1ml ampoule

Reconstitution

Already in solution

Draw up using a 5 micron filter needle

Infusion fluids

Sodium chloride 0.9%

Methods of intravenous administration

Intermittent intravenous infusion (preferred) (ref 1)

  • Add required dose to 50ml infusion fluid and administer over 20 minutes
  • The residual volume in the infusion line must be flushed through at the same rate to avoid significant underdosing

Bolus intravenous injection

  • For the treatment of cranial diabetes insipidus only, but can also be given by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection
  • Administer slowly over at least 3 minutes(ref 1)

Dose in adults

Mild to moderate haemophilia and Von Willebrands disease

  • Give 0.4 micrograms per kg (by intravenous infusion) as a single dose immediately before surgery or after trauma
  • May be repeated at intervals of twelve hours

Treatment of cranial diabetes insipidus

  • Give 1 to 4 micrograms once daily (by subcutaneous, intramuscular or as a bolus intravenous injection)

Fibrinolytic response testing (ref 2)

  • Give 0.3 micrograms per kg by intravenous infusion (may also be given by subcutaneous injection)
  • Blood sample to be taken after twenty minutes for fibrinolytic activity

Monitoring

  • As some patients have shown a diminishing response to successive doses, it is recommended that monitoring of Factor VIII levels should continue
  • During infusion for haemostatic use, it is recommended that the patient's blood pressure is monitored continuously
  • Monitor body weight (to check for fluid overload with repeated administration)

Precautions to prevent fluid overload must be taken in:

  • Conditions characterised by fluid and/or electrolyte imbalance
  • Patients at risk of increased intracranial pressure

Further information

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  • Limit desmopressin use for haemostasis to 2 days or less, as longer use leads to tachyphylaxis and reduced effectiveness.

Storage

Store between 2 to 80C

References

SPC May 2026

1. Injectable Medicines Guide Medusa, accessed online 20/05/2026

2. BNF accessed online 20/05/2026

Therapeutic classification

Posterior pituitary hormones- antidiuretic