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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
3

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
SQ
Frequency
q12–24h

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

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.

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.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
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 →