The Basics
What is Desmopressin?
Used to treat nighttime bed-wetting, central diabetes insipidus, and increased thirst and urination caused by head surgery or head trauma.
Brand names for Desmopressin
Ddavp
How Desmopressin is classified
Hemostatics, Vasopressins
Desmopressin During Pregnancy
Desmopressin pregnancy category
Category BNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Desmopressin while pregnant
N/A
Taking Desmopressin While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Desmopressin?
Desmopressin from a nasal spray is excreted in negligible amounts into milk and is poorly absorbed orally by the infant, so it appears acceptable to use during breastfeeding. There is no published experience with sublingual desmopressin during breastfeeding. Until more data become available, sublingual desmopressin should be used with caution during breastfeeding, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Desmopressin from a nasal spray is excreted in negligible amounts into milk and is poorly absorbed orally by the infant, so it appears acceptable to use during breastfeeding. There is no published experience with sublingual desmopressin during breastfeeding. Until more data become available, sublingual desmopressin should be used with caution during breastfeeding, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Possible effects of Desmopressin on milk supply
Several cases have been reported of mothers with diabetes insipidus using desmopressin and breastfeeding their infants.[2][3][4] In one case, the mother discontinued nursing after 2 weeks because of a low milk supply, but this was not clearly drug related.[3] Lactation sometimes improves diabetes insipidus and reduces desmopressin requirements.[2][3]
Possible alternatives to Desmopressin
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Burrow GN, Wassenaar W, Robertson GL et al. DDAVP treatment of diabetes insipidus during pregnacy and the post-partum period. Acta Endocrinol (Copenh). 1981;97:23-5. PMID: 7223315
2. Hadi HA, Mashini IS, Devoe LD. Diabetes insipidus during pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia. A case report. J Reprod Med. 1985;30:206-8. PMID: 3999072
3. Hime MC, Richardson JA. Diabetes insipidus and pregnancy. Case report, incidence and review of literature. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 1978;33:375-9. PMID: 652196
4. Wallia A, Bizhanova A, Huang W, Goldsmith SL, Gossett DR, Kopp P. Acute diabetes insipidus mediated by vasopressinase after placental abruption. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2013;98:881-6. PMID: 23393172
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
