Desmopressin Treatment for Central Diabetes Insipidus

Formulations and Administration

• Oral melt tablets of desmopressin can be administered at a dose of 120-240 μg per dose 1
• The American Urological Association recommends oral melt tablets of desmopressin at a dose of 120-240 μg per dose for central diabetes insipidus patients 1

Dosage Adjustment and Monitoring

• The Endocrine Society suggests that the dose of desmopressin should be adjusted based on adequate duration of sleep and adequate but not excessive water turnover, with urine volume monitored intermittently 1
• The dose of desmopressin should be adjusted to establish an adequate diurnal rhythm of water turnover, with morning and evening doses separately adjusted, and urine volume monitored 1

Safety Considerations

• For patients on oral formulations of desmopressin, evening fluid intake should be limited to 200 ml or less with no drinking until morning to prevent water intoxication and hyponatremia 1