Desmopressin
From PeptidePlaza, the free peptide reference · Entry #1036 · Anti-Aging · Sources fetched 2026-09-10 · Editorial standards
Desmopressin (also known as Desmopresina, Desmopressine, Desmopressinum, 1-Deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin) is a anti-aging research peptide. Desmopressin is a synthetic analog of vasopressin that acts as a vasopressin receptor agonist. It is FDA-approved for central diabetes insipidus and primary nocturnal enuresis.
Desmopressin is a synthetic peptide that functions as a vasopressin receptor agonist. It is used as an antidiuretic replacement therapy for the management of central diabetes insipidus, including temporary polyuria and polydipsia following head trauma or pituitary surgery. Desmopressin is also indicated for the management of primary nocturnal enuresis, either alone or as an adjunct to behavioral conditioning. This compound has been the subject of over 4,200 scientific papers and is FDA-approved. Research on desmopressin frequently explores its applications in conditions such as hemorrhage, craniocerebral trauma, and von Willebrand diseases, as well as its role in the evaluation of Cushing Syndrome.
1 Mechanism of action
Vasopressin receptor agonist (agonist)
Primary targets: Vasopressin receptor
2 Reported effects
Effects below are those reported in the published literature cited on this page. They are not claims of clinical benefit and not medical advice.
2.1 Indicated / studied for
- Central Diabetes Insipidus
- Temporary polyuria and polydipsia following head trauma or surgery in the pituitary region
- Primary Nocturnal Enuresis
- Hemorrhage
- Craniocerebral Trauma
- Diabetes Insipidus, Neurogenic
- Nasal Obstruction
- Diabetes Insipidus
- von Willebrand Diseases
- Nocturia
2.2 Side effects
- Headache
- Nausea
- Flushing
- Mild abdominal cramps
- Transient increases in AST (SGOT)
- Abnormal thinking
3 Chemical and physical properties
| CAS number | 16679-58-6 |
|---|---|
| Molar mass | 1069.2 g/mol |
| Purity (typical) | Not independently verified |
| Half-life | ~3 hours |
| Brand names | Desmopressin Acetate |
| Route | ORAL |
| Storage | −20 °C, lyophilised powder, desiccated |
| Solubility | Sterile water / bacteriostatic water |
| Receptors / targets | Vasopressin receptor |
3.1 Amino acid sequence
Mpa-Tyr-Phe-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-D-Arg-Gly-NH2 (cyclic 1–6 disulfide)
4 Research dosages
0.1 mg to 0.8 mg daily, administered in divided doses
5 Research studies (8)
- Desmopressin
(2006) · Review - Desmopressin
(2026) - Desmopressin and antifibrinolytics
International anesthesiology clinics (1990) · Review - Is Desmopressin Useful in the Evaluation of Cushing Syndrome?
The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism (2022) · Review - Management of treatment-resistant nocturnal enuresis
Pediatrics international : official journal of the Japan Pediatric Society (2023) · Review - Desmopressin treatment: current status
Scandinavian journal of urology and nephrology. Supplementum (1999) · Review - Desmopressin for treating nocturia in men
BJU international (2018) · Meta-Analysis - Desmopressin for treating nocturia in men
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2017) · Meta-Analysis
6 Safety and risk profile
6.1 Regulatory status
Desmopressin is currently classified as FDA approved. Approval applies to specific clinical indications and dosing; research-grade material is not the approved product.
6.2 Contraindications
Conditions and populations in which use is contraindicated:
- Known hypersensitivity to desmopressin acetate or any components
- Moderate to severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance below 50mL/min)
- Hyponatremia or a history of hyponatremia
6.3 Drug interactions
| Drug or class | Interaction | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Other pressor agents | Increased pressor activity | Moderate |
| Tricyclic antidepressants | Increased risk of water intoxication with hyponatremia | Moderate |
| Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors | Increased risk of water intoxication with hyponatremia | Moderate |
| Chlorpromazine | Increased risk of water intoxication with hyponatremia | Moderate |
| Opiate analgesics | Increased risk of water intoxication with hyponatremia | Moderate |
| NSAIDs | Increased risk of water intoxication with hyponatremia | Moderate |
| Lamotrigine | Increased risk of water intoxication with hyponatremia | Moderate |
| Carbamazepine | Increased risk of water intoxication with hyponatremia | Moderate |
| Oxybutinin | Hyponatremic convulsions | High |
| Imipramine | Hyponatremic convulsions | High |
6.4 Long-term risks
- hyponatremia
- water intoxication
- seizure
- coma
- respiratory arrest
6.5 Research best practices
- Store 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F)
- Do not use if blister is torn or broken
- Keep out of the reach of children
7 Frequently asked questions
- What is Desmopressin used for?
- Desmopressin is used as an antidiuretic replacement therapy for central diabetes insipidus and for managing temporary polyuria and polydipsia after head trauma or pituitary surgery. It is also indicated for the management of primary nocturnal enuresis.
- How does Desmopressin work?
- Desmopressin works as a vasopressin receptor agonist. This mechanism allows it to exert an antidiuretic effect, helping to regulate water balance in the body by reducing urine production.
- Is Desmopressin FDA approved?
- Yes, Desmopressin is FDA approved. It received its first approval in 1978 and is marketed as Desmopressin Acetate for its indicated uses.
- What are the side effects of Desmopressin?
- Common side effects of Desmopressin can include headache, nausea, flushing, and mild abdominal cramps. In some cases, transient increases in AST (SGOT) have been observed. There is also a risk of water intoxication and hyponatremia.
- What are the contraindications for Desmopressin?
- Desmopressin is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity to the drug, patients with moderate to severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance below 50mL/min), and those with hyponatremia or a history of hyponatremia.
8 References
- Desmopressin — compound summary PubChem. View source
- Desmopressin — molecule record ChEMBL. View source
- Desmopressin — FDA approved prescribing information U.S. Food and Drug Administration. View source
- Desmopressin — published literature (4,264 records) PubMed. View source
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