Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

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DDAVP Tablets 0.1mg

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.

If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Desmopressin acetate may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.

Active substance: Desmopressin acetate
Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What it is and what it is used for

for

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DDAVP Tablets are for oral use only. They are available in two strengths, 0.1mg and 0.2mg. They contain Desmopressin acetate, an antidiuretic (reduces urine production). They are used:

  • to treat diabetes insipidus (a condition that causes extreme thirst and the continuous production of large volumes of dilute urine) IMPORTANT: This should not be confused with diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes)
  • to treat post-hypophysectomy polyuria/polydipsia (extreme thirst and the continuous production of large volumes of dilute urine following surgical removal of the pituitary gland).

There are general restrictions, precautions and warnings which apply to all patients using DDAVP Tablets. General restrictions (all patients): Do not take DDAVP Tablets if you:

  • have a serious heart or kidney disease
  • are taking diuretics (water tablets)
  • are allergic to any of the ingredients listed in section 6 of this leaflet
  • drink unusually large quantities of fluids, including alcohol. You should avoid drinking large amounts of fluid while you are being treated with DDAVP Tablets, as this could lead to a build up of water which dilutes the salt in the body. This is a serious problem and may lead to convulsions.

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0.1mg and 0.2mg Desmopressin acetate

2. Before you take DDAVP Tablets

8 mm

General precautions and warnings (all patients): Please consult your doctor before taking DDAVP Tablets if you:

  • have an illness causing fluid and/or salt imbalance e.g. vomiting, diarrhoea, systemic infections, fever or gastroenteritis
  • have a medical condition that could be made worse by fluid and/or electrolyte disturbance. Condition where your blood sodium levels are too low or you are likely to build up too much water in the body Taking/using other medicines: Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you:
  • are taking or have recently taken or used any other medicines – even those not prescribed
  • are on medication for depression or epilepsy
  • are taking a medicine for pain and/or inflammation containing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (also known as NSAIDs) e.g. indometacin
  • are taking a medicine containing loperamide for diarrhoea Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, please inform your doctor before you take DDAVP Tablets, as blood pressure monitoring is recommended due to the increased risk of pre-eclampsia (a condition in pregnant women that can cause serious complications). Symptoms of pre-eclampsia include high blood pressure, oedema (swelling due to the build up of fluid) and proteinuria (protein in the urine). Breast-feeding: If you are breast-feeding ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking DDAVP Tablets. DDAVP Tablets contain Lactose monohydrate: DDAVP Tablets contain the ingredient, lactose monohyodrate. Therefore, if you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars (including lactose), contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product.

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DDAVP Tablets

5. Storing DDAVP Tablets

DDAVP Tablets are for oral use only.

Keep DDAVP Tablets out of the reach and sight of children.

Do NOT take more than the prescribed dose in any 24 hour period.

The usual doses are: Treatment of diabetes insipidus: Your doctor will prescribe the dose most suitable for you. The most common dose in adults and children is one 0.1mg tablet or one 0.2mg tablet taken three times a day. Treatment of extreme thirst and the continuous production of large volumes of dilute urine following surgical removal of the pituitary gland: Your doctor will prescribe the most suitable dose for you based on the concentration of your urine. If you take more DDAVP Tablets than you should: If you take more DDAVP Tablets than you should, talk to your doctor or pharmacist immediately. If you forget to take DDAVP Tablets: Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you are a patient with diabetes insipidus, please consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

4. Possible side effects Like all medicines, DDAVP Tablets can have side effcts. You should avoid drinking large amounts of fluid while you are being treated with DDAVP Tablets, as this could lead to a build up of water which dilutes the salt in the body. Ths is a serious problem and may lead to convulsions. STOP USING DDAVP Tablets if you experience:

  • unusually bad or prolonged headache, confusion, unexplained weight gain, ankle swelling, nausea or vomiting
  • itching, skin rashes, swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty in breathing, wheeziness, chest tightness or coughing (signs of allergic reaction) 8 mm

Do not take past the expiry date on the packaging. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. If you are unsure about the storage, ask your pharmacist. It is best to return all old and unused medicines to your pharmacist for safe disposal.

6. Further Information

  • DDAVP Tablets are presented in plastic bottles containing either 30 or 90 tablets 8 mm
  • each tablet contains either 0.1mg or 0.2mg of the active ingredient, Desmopressin acetate other ingredients in DDAVP Tablets are lactose monohydrate, potato starch, povidone and magnesium stearate
  • The 0.1mg tablets are white, oval tablets, scored on one side and engraved '0.1' on the other side. The 0.2mg tablets are white, round tablets, scored on one side and engraved '0.2' on the other side. Marketing Authorisation Holder: Ferring Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Drayton Hall, Church Road, West Drayton, UB7 7PS (UK). Manufacturer: Ferring GmbH, Wittland 11, D-24109 Kiel, Germany DDAVP Tablets 0.1mg PL 03194/0040 DDAVP Tablets 0.2mg PL 03194/0041 This leaflet was last revised in October 2011. DDAVP is a registered trademark.

If you experience any of the above side effects, you should contact your doctor or go to the nearest casualty department immediately. Most people taking DDAVP Tablets find it causes them no problems. However, common side effects can include:

  • headache
  • stomach pain

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Do not remove the silica gel insert from the bottle top.

Very rare cases of emotional disorders including aggression in children have also been reported. If you experience one or more of these

Possible side effects

or any other undesirable effects, please inform your doctor or pharmacist.

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If you have the impression that the effect of DDAVP Tablets is too strong or too weak, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not store above 25°C. Keep the container tightly closed.

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Frequently asked questions about DDAVP Tablets 0.1mg

How do I take DDAVP Tablets 0.1mg?

DDAVP Tablets 0.1mg comes as tablet containing 0.1mg. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

What is the active substance in DDAVP Tablets 0.1mg?

The active substance in DDAVP Tablets 0.1mg is desmopressin acetate.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for DDAVP Tablets 0.1mg, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.

Can I get DDAVP Tablets 0.1mg without a prescription?

Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Desmopressin acetate (30 medicines)
See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

DDAVP Tablets are indicated for the treatment of vasopressin-sensitive cranial diabetes insipidus or in the treatment of post-hypophysectomy polyuria/polydipsia.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Treatment of Diabetes Insipidus:

Dosage is individual in diabetes insipidus but clinical experience has shown that the total daily dose normally lies in the range of 0.2 to 1.2mg. A suitable starting dose in adults and children is 0.1mg three times daily. This dosage regimen should then be adjusted in accordance with the patient's response. For the majority of patients, the maintenance dose is 0.1mg to 0.2mg three times daily. Post-hypophysectomy polyuria/polydipsia:

The dose of DDAVP Tablets should be controlled by measurement of urine osmolality.

4.3. Contraindications

DDAVP Tablets are contraindicated in cases of cardiac insufficiency and other conditions requiring treatment with diuretic agents.Before prescribing DDAVP Tablets the diagnoses of psychogenic polydipsia and alcohol abuse should be excluded.

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Care should be taken with patients who have reduced renal function and/or cardiovascular disease. In chronic renal disease the antidiuretic effect of DDAVP Tablets would be less than normal.Precautions to prevent fluid overload must be taken in:- conditions characterised by fluid and/or electrolyte imbalance- patients at risk for increased intracranial pressure

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Substances which are known to induce SIADH e.g. tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, chlorpromazine and carbamazepine, may cause an additive antidiuretic effect leading to an increased risk of water retention and/or hyponatraemia.NSAIDs may induce water retention and/or hyponatraemia.Concomitant treatment with loperamide may result in a 3-fold increase of desmopressin plasma concentrations, which may lead to an increased risk of water retention and/or hyponatraemia. Although not investigated, other drugs slowing transport might have the same effect.A standardised 27% fat meal significantly decreased the absorption (rate and extent) of a 0.4mg dose of oral desmopressin. Although it did not significantly affect the pharmacodynamic effect (urine production and osmolality), there is the potential for this to occur at lower doses. If a diminution of effect is noted, then the effect of food should be considered before increasing the dose.

4.6. Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy:

Data on a limited number (n=53) of exposed pregnancies in women with diabetes insipidus indicate rare cases of malformations in children treated during pregnancy. To date, no other relevant epidemiological data are available. Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to pregnancy, embryonal/fetal development, parturition or postnatal development.Caution should be exercised when prescribing to pregnant women. Blood pressure monitoring is recommended due to the increased risk of pre-eclampsia. Lactation:

Results from analyses of milk from nursing mothers receiving high dose desmopressin (300 micrograms intranasally) indicate that the amounts of desmopressin that may be transferred to the child are considerably less than the amounts required to influence diuresis.

4.8. Undesirable effects

Side-effects include headache, stomach pain and nausea. Isolated cases of allergic skin reactions and more severe general allergic reactions have been reported. Very rare cases of emotional disorders including aggression in children have been reported. Treatment with desmopressin without concomitant reduction of fluid intake may lead to water retention/hyponatraemia with accompanying symptoms of headache, nausea, vomiting, weight gain, decreased serum sodium and in serious cases, convulsions.

4.9. Overdose

An overdose of DDAVP Tablets leads to a prolonged duration of action with an increased risk of water retention and/or hyponatraemia. Treatment:

Although the treatment of hyponatraemia should be individualised, the following general recommendations can be given. Hyponatraemia is treated by discontinuing the desmopressin treatment, fluid restriction and symptomatic treatment if needed.

🇷🇴 Known in Romania as

Medicines sold in Romania with the same active substance: Cunoscut în România ca

  • NOCDURNA 25 micrograme prescriptionDESMOPRESSINUM · taken by mouth
  • NOCDURNA 50 micrograme prescriptionDESMOPRESSINUM · taken by mouth
  • MINIRIN MELT 60 micrograme prescriptionDESMOPRESSINUM · taken by mouth
  • MINIRIN MELT 120 micrograme prescriptionDESMOPRESSINUM · taken by mouth
  • MINIRIN MELT 240 micrograme prescriptionDESMOPRESSINUM · taken by mouth
  • MINIRIN 0,2 mg prescriptionDESMOPRESSINUM · taken by mouth

Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Romanian medicines in the UK →

🇵🇱 Known in Poland as

Medicines sold in Poland with the same active substance: W Polsce znany jako

  • Minirin 0,1Desmopressini acetas · taken by mouth
  • Minirin 0,2Desmopressini acetas · taken by mouth
  • Minirin MeltDesmopressinum · taken by mouth
  • NoqturinaDesmopressinum · taken by mouth
  • AdinDesmopressinum · taken by mouth
  • DurseaDesmopressinum · taken by mouth

Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Polish medicines in the UK →

💬 Ask about this leaflet

Ask anything about DDAVP Tablets 0.1mg. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.

Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.

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