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Desmopressin is a drug that acts on the vasopressin receptors of the body. It has many relevant clinical uses, ranging from nocturnal enuresis to hemophilia. While this drug is relatively safe to use, there are certain side effects to be kept in mind for patients receiving the drug, as well as specific contraindications that limit the population that can receive desmopressin. This activity reviews the indications, mechanism of action, contraindications, and adverse effects. It will also explore the proper monitoring of patients on desmopressin and the role of the inter-professional team required to enhance the outcomes for the patients taking the drug. Objectives: Identify the indications to use desmopressin in a patient. Describe the mechanism of action of desmopressin. Review the potential adverse effects of desmopressin. Summarize the role of an integrated inter-professional team involved in the treatment of the patients receiving desmopressin. Access free multiple choice questions on this topic.

There is no known antidote to an overdose of desmopressin. The most worrisome complication to result from an overdose is water intoxication. This condition would result in a delayed loss of consciousness and seizures in some instances. Patients require immediate admission to the intensive care unit to be monitored and have electrolyte correction.[25]

Desmopressin is a relatively safe drug for use, but it still requires the efforts of an interprofessional healthcare team for optimal therapeutic success. This team will include clinicians, specialists, mid-level practitioners, nurses, and pharmacists, coordinating their activities and sharing information to achieve the best patient outcomes. [Level 5] Patients receiving desmopressin to treat hemophilia A or von Willebrand disease can remain at risk of bleeding. As such, these patients require an integrated and cohesive team of specialists consisting of the primary care physician, hematologist, and, in some instances, a gynecologist and geneticist. The primary care physician must ensure that the patients are regularly following up with a hematologist or a hemophilia treatment center. In cases of pregnancy, a woman can receive genetic counseling either before becoming pregnant or later on during the pregnancy.[5] Parents with children suffering from these disorders must understand the complications of the disease and the proper administration of the medication in the case of an emergency.