Peptide LibraryDesmopressin dosage in published studies and labels
These are the doses used for Desmopressin in FDA labelling and published clinical studies, reported as each source states them, one row per regimen. They describe what was studied or approved for a specific population. They are not a recommendation, and none of them is a dose for any individual.
Research and educational reference only. This is not medical advice, and no figure on this page is a dosing recommendation.
Last checked against primary sources:
Studied regimens and sources
Desmopressin has FDA-approved human dosages that differ by form and use. DDAVP tablets for central diabetes insipidus start at 0.05 mg twice daily, with most patients in the label's trials using 0.1–0.8 mg a day in divided doses; for bedwetting in children aged 6 and over they start at 0.2 mg at bedtime. DDAVP injection is 2–4 mcg a day for diabetes insipidus, and 0.3 mcg/kg intravenously (up to 20 mcg) in hemophilia A and type 1 von Willebrand disease.
| Human dosing established | Yes |
|---|---|
| Route | Oral · Subcutaneous · Intravenous · Intranasal |
| Frequency | One to three times daily by indication; single infusion for bleeding |
| Duration studied | Continuous for diabetes insipidus; as needed for bleeding |
| Titration | Each dose is adjusted to urine output, sleep and serum sodium, under fluid restriction. |
| Evidence level | FDA Approved |
| Last reviewed | 2026-11-07 |
Research-reported dosing
Doses as studied, one row per regimen. Different trials used different regimens; they are listed separately rather than averaged.
| Study / context | Population | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Outcome studied | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FDA label — DDAVP tablets, central diabetes insipidusFDA-approved label · FDA prescribing information | Adults and children with central diabetes insipidus | Start 0.05 mg twice daily; 0.1–0.8 mg a day for most patients in trials, adjusted within 0.1–1.2 mg a day | Oral | Two or three divided doses daily | Continuous | Antidiuresis | DDAVP (desmopressin acetate) tablets — FDA prescribing information, DailyMed |
| FDA label — DDAVP tablets, primary nocturnal enuresisFDA-approved label · FDA prescribing information | Children aged 6 and over with primary nocturnal enuresis | 0.2 mg at bedtime, titrated up to 0.6 mg | Oral | Once nightly | Per label | Management of primary nocturnal enuresis | DDAVP (desmopressin acetate) tablets — FDA prescribing information, DailyMed |
| FDA label — DDAVP injectionFDA-approved label · FDA prescribing information | Central diabetes insipidus; hemophilia A with factor VIII above 5%; type 1 von Willebrand disease | Diabetes insipidus: 2–4 mcg a day in one or two doses. Hemophilia A and von Willebrand disease: 0.3 mcg/kg, maximum 20 mcg | Subcutaneous or intravenous (diabetes insipidus); intravenous infusion (bleeding) | Daily (diabetes insipidus); per bleeding episode or procedure | — | Antidiuresis; maintained hemostasis | DDAVP (desmopressin acetate) injection — FDA prescribing information, DailyMed |
Where sources disagree
- Oral doses are in milligrams and injected doses in micrograms because very little of an oral dose is absorbed. Figures from one form do not transfer to another.
- The DDAVP injection label carries a boxed warning that desmopressin can cause hyponatremia. The labels require fluid restriction and serum sodium checks during treatment.