Home/Medicines/Desmopressin

Desmopressin

Prescription

Vasopressin Analog / Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) Analog

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

3 available

Interactions

3 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Synthetic analogue of arginine vasopressin (AVP/ADH) with selective action on V2 receptors in renal collecting ducts, promoting water reabsorption (antidiuretic effect). At high doses, releases von Willebrand factor (vWF) and Factor VIII from endothelium.

At a glance

Class

Vasopressin Analog / Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) Analog

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Refrigerate 2–8°C; nasal solution stable 3 weeks at room temperature

Dosing

🐕

Dog

For CDI (central diabetes insipidus), titrate dose to urine specific gravity (>1

Dose

1–4 mcg/dog

Route

SQ, Intranasal

Frequency

q8–24h (CDI); once (vWD)

🐈

Cat

CDI is uncommon in cats but occurs

Dose

1–2 mcg/cat

Route

Frequency

q12–24h

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 3

Strength

—

Strength

—

Strength

—

Storage

Refrigerate 2–8°C; nasal solution stable 3 weeks at room temperature

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Urine specific gravitySerum sodium and osmolalityWater intake and outputBody weight

Educational reference only

Interactions

Major — 1

Vasopressin

major

Both act on V2 receptors (antidiuretic effect). Combined: severe water retention and potentially fatal hyponatremia.

Management: Do not combine. Use one or the other based on clinical indication.

Moderate — 2

Meloxicam

moderate

NSAIDs enhance desmopressin's water-retaining effect by inhibiting renal prostaglandin-mediated free water excretion. Risk of severe hyponatremia and water intoxication.

Management: Monitor serum sodium closely if NSAID added to patient on desmopressin. Reduce desmopressin dose or increase monitoring frequency.

Furosemide

moderate

Furosemide directly opposes desmopressin's antidiuretic effect by promoting renal water excretion.

Management: Usually counterproductive to combine. If both genuinely needed, monitor urine output and serum sodium.

Educational reference only

Brands

Other markets

DDAVP

Stimate

Nocutil

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Desmopressin?

Desmopressin is a vasopressin analog / antidiuretic hormone (adh) analog used in pets. Synthetic analogue of arginine vasopressin (AVP/ADH) with selective action on V2 receptors in renal collecting ducts, promoting water reabsorption (antidiuretic effect). At high doses, releases von Willebrand factor (vWF) and Factor VIII from endothelium.

›What is Desmopressin used for in pets?

Desmopressin is used in veterinary medicine for: For CDI (central diabetes insipidus), titrate dose to urine specific gravity (>1; CDI is uncommon in cats but occurs.

›What is the Desmopressin dose for dogs?

For dogs, Desmopressin is typically dosed as follows — For CDI (central diabetes insipidus), titrate dose to urine specific gravity (>1: 1–4 mcg/dog SQ/Intranasal q8–24h (CDI); once (vWD). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Desmopressin dose for cats?

For cats, Desmopressin is typically dosed as follows — CDI is uncommon in cats but occurs: 1–2 mcg/cat SQ q12–24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›Does Desmopressin need a prescription?

Yes. Desmopressin is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database