Desmopressin is a small peptide with the chemical formula C46H64N14O12S2 and a molar mass of 1069.22 g/mol . It is structurally similar to vasopressin but has been modified to enhance its antidiuretic potency and prolong its duration of action. The modifications include the deamination of 1-cysteine and the substitution of 8-L-arginine with 8-D-arginine .
Desmopressin primarily acts on the V2 receptors in the kidneys, which are responsible for water reabsorption. By binding to these receptors, desmopressin increases the permeability of the renal collecting ducts, allowing more water to be reabsorbed back into the bloodstream. This results in a decrease in urine production and an increase in urine concentration .
Desmopressin has a wide range of medical applications, including:
Common side effects of desmopressin include headaches, nausea, and mild abdominal pain . One of the most significant risks associated with desmopressin is hyponatremia, a condition characterized by low sodium levels in the blood, which can lead to seizures and other serious complications . Therefore, it is essential to monitor sodium levels regularly during treatment. Desmopressin should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems or a history of hyponatremia .
Desmopressin was first synthesized in the early 1970s and was approved for medical use in the United States in 1978 . Since then, it has become a widely used medication for various conditions related to water balance and bleeding disorders. It is also listed on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines, highlighting its importance in global health .