Arginine Vasopressin Disorder
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
What is arginine vasopressin disorder (AVD)?
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).
What causes AVP-D?
Arginine vasopressin deficiency (AVP-D) occurs when your body does not make or release enough ADH. AVP-D can be caused by any of the following:
- A head injury or brain surgery
- An infection such as meningitis or encephalitis
- A medical condition such as brain cancer or sarcoidosis
- A family history of AVP-D
What causes AVP-R?
Arginine vasopressin resistance (AVP-R) occurs when your kidneys do not respond properly to ADH. AVP-R can be caused by any of the following:
- A family history of AVP-R
- Kidney damage caused by conditions such as kidney disease or blocked ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidney to the bladder)
- Medicines such as loop diuretics, lithium, and certain antibiotics
What other signs and symptoms may I have with AVD?
You may have any of the following:
- More thirst than usual
- Weight loss without trying
- Dry skin
- Feeling confused, weak, and dizzy
- Feeling more mentally and physically tired than usual
- Headaches and vision changes
- Children may have irritability, a loss of appetite, and slow growth
How is AVD diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask about your medical history, symptoms, and the medicines you take. Tell your provider if you have a family history of AVD. You may need any of the following:
- Blood and urine tests will be used to check your overall health. A urine test can check if your urine is too diluted (watery). A blood test will show levels of ADH and electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and calcium.
- 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. Samples are sent to the lab to check your level of ADH.
- An MRI takes pictures of your head to find the cause of your condition. 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.
Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions
DDAVP
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Esidrix
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Aquazide H
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Vasostrict
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Vasopressin
Vasopressin systemic is used for abdominal distension prior to abdominal x-ray, abdominal ...
How is AVD treated?
Treatment depends on the type of AVD you have and the cause. You may need to stop taking certain medicines if that is the cause of your condition. Your healthcare provider will work with you to treat any condition that is causing AVD. 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.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
How can I manage my symptoms?
- Weigh yourself each day. Weigh yourself at the same time each day, on the same scale. Rapid weight loss can be a sign of fluid loss in your body.
- Drink liquids as directed. Keep track of how much liquids you drink and how often you urinate. This helps you stay hydrated and prevents too much water loss. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about how much liquid to have each day and which liquids are best for you.
- Lower your sodium (salt) intake as directed. Too much sodium can affect your fluid balance. Reduced sodium will prevent your body from holding onto excess water. Check labels to find low-sodium or no-salt-added foods. Ask your provider how much sodium is safe for you to have in a day.
- Choose a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, and fish. Your provider or dietitian may recommend that you limit protein foods such as milk, fish, and meat. Protein makes your kidneys work harder.
- Limit or do not drink alcohol or caffeine. Alcohol and caffeine make you urinate more and increase your risk for dehydration.
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or have someone call if:
- You feel weak and dizzy, or you have fainted.
- You are confused.
- You have a seizure.
When should I seek immediate care?
- You have a fast or irregular heartbeat.
- You are more thirsty than usual, and your thirst wakes you from sleep.
- You have muscle cramps or weakness.
- You have nausea or are vomiting.
- You urinate large amounts of light yellow or clear urine.
- You are losing weight daily without trying.
- You are dizzy, have headaches, or are easily irritated.
When should I call my doctor?
- You have a dry mouth or cracked lips.
- You are more tired than usual.
- You have new headaches or vision changes.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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Further information
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