Medicine & USMLE

Desmopressin

6,059 views
Other Endocrine Pharm
  1. Thionamides (PTU vs Methimazole)
  2. ADH Antagonists (Conivaptan, Tolvaptan)
  3. Levothyroxine (T4) vs Liothyronine (T3)
  4. Demeclocycline
  5. Desmopressin
  6. Cinacalcet
  7. Sevelamer

Summary

Desmopressin, also known as DDAVP, is a vasopressin analog that acts to activate V2 vasopressin receptors. This has effects in both the kidneys and the blood vessels. First, increased V2 vasopressin signalling at the kidneys increases water reabsorption in the kidney, thereby helping to treat central diabetes insipidus as well as nocturnal enuresis. Next, V2 vasopressin activity at the blood vessels increases release of von willebrand factor or vWF, which may be used to treat von Willebrand disease. In addition, the increased vWF can help stabilize factor 8 levels in blood, thereby helping to treat hemophilia A.