WHY is this medicine prescribed?
Desmopressin is used to treat
Desmopressin is in a class of medications called hormones. It works by replacing vasopressin, a hormone that is normally produced in the body to help balance the amount of water and salt.
HOW should this medicine be used?
Desmopressin comes as a tablet and an oral solution (liquid) to take by mouth. Your doctor will tell you how often to take desmopressin tablets depending on the condition that you have. Take the oral solution twice a day on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Take desmopressin at around the same time(s) every day.
Take desmopressin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Use a dosing syringe to measure and take your dose of desmopressin oral solution. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about how much medication you should take or how to use the dosing syringe.
If you are taking desmopressin to treat bed-wetting, avoid drinking fluids for at least one hour before and for at least 8 hours after you take desmopressin.
Your doctor may start you on a low dose of desmopressin and gradually increase your dose. Follow these directions carefully. Your doctor will also monitor you closely and may adjust your dose depending on how your body responds to the medication. Talk to your doctor about how are are feeling during your treatment.
Are there OTHER USES for this medication?
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?
Before taking desmopressin,
What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Your doctor may tell you to limit the amount of fluid you drink during your treatment with desmopressin. Follow your doctor's directions carefully to prevent serious side effects.
What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?
Desmopressin may cause side effects. Call your doctor if either of the following symptoms is severe or does not go away:
Some side effects may be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Desmopressin may cause other side effects. Tell your doctor if you experience any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at http://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include the following:
What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store the tablets at room temperature, away from heat, light, and moisture (not in the bathroom). Store the oral solution either in the refrigerator or at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not freeze. Dispose of any unused oral solution 120 days after first opening the bottle.
Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location - one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org
Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.
What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your response to desmopressin.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
AHFS® Patient Medication Information™ Copyright, 2026. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.
Selected Revisions: May 15, 2026.