Desmopressin

Mechanism (as reported)

A study reported that desmopressin (1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin) increases plasma factor VIII and von Willebrand factor concentrations in normal subjects and in patients with mild hemophilia A and von Willebrand disease. (PMID: 18173690) A review described desmopressin as a vasopressin analog with enhanced antidiuretic potency and diminished pressor activity relative to the natural hormone. (PMID: 3893256)

Key findings (each cites a source)

• Desmopressin is described as a synthetic analog of the neurohypophyseal nonapeptide arginine vasopressin with enhanced antidiuretic potency, markedly diminished pressor activity, and prolonged half-life/duration compared to the natural hormone. [PMID 3893256]
• A study reported desmopressin can be used for central diabetes insipidus and may be administered intranasally or parenterally. [PMID 3893256]
• A study reported that desmopressin is discussed as a treatment of choice in central diabetes insipidus. [PMID 3893256]
• A newly approved indication was reported for treatment of mild classical hemophilia and von Willebrand’s disease, described as transiently increasing factor VIII and von Willebrand factor levels. [PMID 3893256]
• Research reported that desmopressin increases plasma factor VIII and von Willebrand factor concentrations in normal subjects and in patients with mild hemophilia A and von Willebrand disease. [PMID 18173690]
• A review reported that since its first clinical use in 1977, desmopressin became a treatment of choice for certain hemophilia A/factor VIII coagulant activity thresholds and has spared some patients from blood-borne viral infection risk associated with non-virally inactivated plasma-derived FVIII concentrates. [PMID 18173690]
• A study (mucin-specific protease + phospholipase) evaluated enteric capsules containing enzymes plus desmopressin in a canine model and reported relative bioavailability of 155% compared to desmopressin alone. [PMID 40164434]
• A canine study reported a buccal patch loaded with phospholipase and semaglutide produced higher bioavailability with reduced variability compared to a commercially available oral tablet. [PMID 40164434]
• A case report described intranasal desmopressin-associated hyponatremia attributed to syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone, with symptom and sodium resolution after fluid restriction and cessation in the reported course. [PMID 8700794]
• The hyponatremia case report stated a review identified 11 children and 2 adults with intranasal desmopressin associated with hyponatremia, with seizures or altered mental status described among those cases. [PMID 8700794]
• A review article on adults with nocturia reported that desmopressin acetate nasal spray (Noctiva) was approved for nocturia due to nocturnal polyuria and summarized clinical trial outcomes including reductions in nocturnal voids and sodium changes. [PMID 29048257]