Doses - DESMOPRESSIN ACETATE

Dogs:

For treatment of diabetes insipidus:
a) Initially, 1 - 2 micrograms SubQ or 1 - 2 drops of the nasal spray intraconjunctivallyonce or twice daily respectively. Adjust dose as necessary. Watch for signs of waterintoxication and hyponatremia. (Nichols 1992)
b) 1 - 4 drops topically of the nasal solution in the conjunctival sac every 12-24 hours.
Adjust dose to control polyuria/polydipsia. (Randolph and Peterson 1994)
For treatment of Von Willebrand's disease:
a) 1 micrograms/kg SubQ gives a duration of action of 3-4 hours; repeated dosages within24 hours does not prolong response time. (Brooks 1994)
Cats: To help differentiate central diabetes insipidus from the nephrogenic form: 1 drop into theconjunctival sac twice daily for 2-3 days; a dramatic reduction in water intake or a 50%or greater increase in urine concentration gives strong evidence for a deficit in ADHproduction. For treatment of central DI: 1 - 2 drops into the conjunctival sac once ortwice a day; duration of activity 8-24 hours. (Bruyette 1991)
Monitoring Parameters - For Central DI: Serum electrolytes, urine osmolality and/or urine volume; For Von Willebrand's disease: Bleeding times
Client Information - Keep solutions refrigerated whenever possible. Instruct clients on the importance of compliance with this drug; it is a treatment, not a cure for the condition. Clients shouldbe counseled on the expense associated with using this drug long-term.
Dosage Forms/Preparations/FDA Approval Status/Withholding Times - Veterinary-Approved Products: None

Human-Approved Products:

Desmopressin Acetate Nasal Solution 10 micrograms/0.1 ml metered dose (0.01%) in 2.5 or 5ml bottles and 1.5 mg/ml in 2.5 ml bottles DDAVP® Nasal Spray (Rhone-Poulenc Rorer);(Rx);Stimate® (Armour) (Rx)
Desmopressin Acetate Parenteral Injection 4 micrograms/ml in 1 ml amps and 10 ml multipledose vials; DDAVP® (Rhone-Poulenc Rorer); (Rx)
Desmopressin Acetate Tablets 0.1 mg & 0.2 mg DDAVP® (Rhone-Poulenc Rorer) (Rx)