Desmopressin Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 2, 2025.
Applies to desmopressin: oral tablet.
Other dosage forms:
Precautions
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to use it. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.
This medicine lowers the amount of sodium in your blood. Check with your doctor right away if you have confusion, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps or spasms, or unusual tiredness or weakness.
Check with your doctor right away if you have an infection with a fever and severe vomiting or diarrhea. Your doctor may limit the amount of fluid or water you drink. If you drink too much water during hot weather, after strenuous exercise, or after severe vomiting or diarrhea, this medicine may cause serious unwanted effects.
Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.
Serious side effects of desmopressin
Along with its needed effects, desmopressin may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking desmopressin:
Rare side effects
- confusion
- convulsions
- decreased urine output
- dizziness
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- headache
- increased thirst
- muscle pain or cramps
- nausea or vomiting
- shortness of breath
- swelling of the face, ankles, or hands
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Incidence not known
- weight gain
Other side effects of desmopressin
Some side effects of desmopressin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Incidence not known
- delusions
- dementia
- diarrhea
For healthcare professionals
Applies to desmopressin: injectable solution, nasal solution, nasal spray, oral tablet, sublingual tablet.
Cardiovascular adverse events
Cardiovascular side effects have infrequently included transient and slight elevations or reductions in blood pressure, a compensatory change in heart rate, and facial flushing with injections of desmopressin (DDAVP). Vasodilation and water retention have occurred. There have been rare reports of thrombotic events (acute cerebral thrombosis, acute myocardial infarction) in some patients after DDAVP injection. At least one case of fatal left coronary thrombosis has been associated with the use of DDAVP.[Ref]
One review of the literature found that the incidence of thrombotic events associated with the use of DDAVP to reduce blood loss and transfusion requirements in surgical patients was not significantly higher than placebo. In any case, the incidence of thrombosis is rare. One review found only 10 reports of thrombosis over a 4-year period, covering 433,000 doses of DDAVP.[Ref]
Nervous system
Nervous system side effects have included seizures and/or coma as a result of severe water intoxication and hyponatremia. Other nervous system side effects have included headache and dizziness in less than 3% of patients. DDAVP nasal spray has been infrequently associated with somnolence, lethargy, paresthesias, fatigue, confusion, stupor, malaise, diaphoresis, itchy or light-sensitive eyes, insomnia, chills, warm feeling, and agitation.[Ref]
The risk factors for DDAVP-induced hyponatremia include stress, surgery, anesthesia, narcotics (endogenous release of ADH), vomiting (loss of sodium), liver disease (hindered metabolism of DDAVP), overhydration with hyponatremic fluids, and advanced age. In some cases, fluid restriction, avoidance of hyponatremic solutions, and close monitoring of serum electrolytes and urine output for at least 15 to 20 hours after the administration of DDAVP may be beneficial.[Ref]
Hematologic
Hematologic side effects have included platelet aggregation and thrombocytopenia. These have been seen almost uniquely in patients with von Willebrand's disease Type IIB (DDAVP is contraindicated in these patients).[Ref]
Local
Local side effects of injections of DDAVP have included intravenous site erythema, swelling, and burning.[Ref]
Respiratory
Respiratory side effects of intranasal DDAVP have included rhinitis, epistaxis, and nostril pain in 2% to 10% of patients. Apnea and cardiac arrest occurred in one patient.[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Gastrointestinal side effects have included mild abdominal cramps and nausea in 2% of patients. Dyspepsia and vomiting have rarely been associated with DDAVP nasal spray.[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity reactions have rarely included anaphylaxis.[Ref]
Psychiatric
Psychiatric side effects have included a single case of paranoid psychosis associated with the use of DDAVP nasal spray.[Ref]
See also:
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References
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5. McLeod BC (1990) "Myocardial infarction in a blood donor after administration of desmopressin." Lancet, 336, p. 1137-8
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Further information
Desmopressin side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.
