Basic Pharmacology of Desmopressin

Desmopressin is an analogue of the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin. The structural changes introduced in the molecule have eliminated the pressor activity of vasopressin and potentiated the antidiuretic action. The metabolic stability of the peptide is also increased. Thus, the plasma half-life for desmopressin is 55 minutes compared with a few minutes for vasopressin. The potent antidiuretic activity of desmopressin makes the peptide ideal for the treatment of cranial diabetes insipidus. However, it may also be used for nocturnal enuresis and as a diagnostic agent in determining renal concentrating capacity. Desmopressin has recently been shown to be successful in the treatment of certain bleeding disorders.