Desmopressin for Bed-Wetting


Generic Name Brand Name
desmopressin DDAVP

How It Works

Desmopressin acts on the kidneys to reduce the amount of urine produced at night. Its effects last about 7 to 12 hours.

Why It Is Used

Desmopressin is used in the treatment of bed-wetting (primary nocturnal enuresis) in children age 6 and older. Desmopressin may be used for some children when other treatments have been unsuccessful. It may also be used on a temporary basis, such as when a child has a special overnight event.

How Well It Works

Desmopressin is usually effective when used for a short period of time, such as during times of emotional stress or during overnight trips or camping trips.

Children who wet the bed 4 nights a week or more can expect to have fewer wet nights when they take desmopressin.

Children with a family history of bed-wetting seem to have more success with desmopressin than with other treatments.

Most children have fewer nights with accidental wetting when taking desmopressin. But wetting tends to start again after they stop taking the medicine. Desmopressin usually does not cure bed-wetting.

Side Effects


Here are some important things to think about:



  • Trouble breathing.

Call your doctor if your child has:

  • Hives.

Side effects of desmopressin are not common but may include:

  • Headache.
  • Belly pain.
  • Nausea.
  • A slight rise in blood pressure and sudden redness (flushing) of the face.
  • Vomiting. If your child vomits after taking this medicine, call the doctor right away.


What To Think About

A very rare but serious side effect of desmopressin is severe water retention that causes an imbalance of sodium and water in the body (called water intoxication, or hyponatremia). Water intoxication can lead to coma or death. Some signs of water intoxication are drowsiness (lethargy), vomiting, and nausea. To avoid this serious side effect, children taking desmopressin should not drink more than 8 fl oz (0.2 L) of liquids during the 2 to 3 hours just before bedtime.

Do not give desmopressin to a child who has an illness that could cause a water and/or an electrolyte imbalance, such as a fever, diarrhea or vomiting, the flu, or a bad cold. Talk to your doctor to find out when it is safe to give desmopressin to your child.

Taking medicine







ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerSusan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics

Current as ofSeptember 9, 2014