Arginine Vasopressin Disorder
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
Arginine vasopressin disorder (AVD) is a condition that causes frequent urination. The amount of urine you make is controlled by antidiuretic hormone (ADH). ADH is made in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. ADH is stored and released by the pituitary gland. The 2 most common types of AVD are arginine vasopressin deficiency (AVP-D) and arginine vasopressin resistance (AVP-R).
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An IV
is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.
Intake and output:
Healthcare providers will measure how much liquid you drink and how much you urinate.
Weight:
You may be weighed each day. Healthcare providers will compare your weight from day to day to monitor fluid loss from your body.
Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions
DDAVP
DDAVP is used for diabetes insipidus, hemophilia a, primary nocturnal enuresis, von Willebrand Disease
Microzide
Microzide is used for diabetes insipidus, edema, high blood pressure, nephrocalcinosis
Tecvayli
Tecvayli (teclistamab) is a treatment for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Includes ...
Esidrix
Esidrix is used for diabetes insipidus, edema, high blood pressure, nephrocalcinosis
Aquazide H
Aquazide H is used for diabetes insipidus, edema, high blood pressure, nephrocalcinosis
Vasostrict
Vasostrict is used for abdominal distension prior to abdominal x-ray, asystole, diabetes insipidus ...
Vasopressin
Vasopressin systemic is used for abdominal distension prior to abdominal x-ray, abdominal ...
Nutrition:
You may need to decrease the amount of sodium (salt) you eat. This helps decrease the amount of fluid you lose. You may need to limit protein foods such as milk, fish, and meat. Protein makes your kidneys work harder.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Vasopressin is a medicine that is similar to ADH. This will help decrease the amount you urinate.
- Certain diuretics, such as thiazide diuretics, can help your kidneys control the amount you urinate.
- NSAIDs can be used to decrease the amount you urinate.
Tests:
- A 24 hour urine test may be done to measure how much you urinate. You will need to collect your urine for 24 hours. You will urinate into a container. The urine will be sent to a lab for tests.
- A water deprivation test may be done to show if you have AVD and to find the cause. The test may also help healthcare providers figure out which type of AVD you have. You will be asked not to drink any liquids for a set period. Healthcare providers will monitor your weight and how much you urinate. You may need blood tests to measure your ADH levels every 2 hours. You may be given a shot of ADH or another medicine that acts like ADH. You will give another blood and urine sample about 1 hour after you get the medicine.
- A hypertonic saline infusion test may be done. Healthcare providers will give you liquid through an IV. You will not be able to drink any liquids during this test. During the test, healthcare providers will take blood samples about every 30 minutes. The blood is then sent to the lab to check your level of ADH.
- An MRI takes pictures of your head to find the cause of your disorder. You may be given contrast liquid to help the areas in your brain show up better in the pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. Do not enter the MRI room with any metal objects. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the provider if you have any metal in or on your body.
Treatment:
You may need IV fluids to replace the fluid you have lost.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
RISKS:
You may have swelling in your brain if more fluid is replaced than your body can manage. You may be at increased risk for a blockage in your kidneys or bladder. Your kidneys may stretch from a blockage, and you may develop kidney failure. You may become dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to weakness, confusion, headaches, and vision changes. You may also have seizures or brain swelling, and you may go into a coma. Your kidneys and other organs may fail. These problems can become life-threatening. If your child has AVD, he or she may not grow as expected.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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