Adverse effect · Desmopressin

How common is hyponatraemia with Desmopressin?

A
Grade A — established in humansMeta-analysis, 7 studies · effect size: moderate · adverse
Short answerEstablished in humans. Meta-analysis, 7 studies point the same way: a moderate effect. Pooled incidence of low sodium 7.6% in older adults treated for nocturia — the reason for sodium checks before and during treatment and for the boxed warning on the US nasal product.

What the studies show

Pooled incidence of low sodium 7.6% in older adults treated for nocturia — the reason for sodium checks before and during treatment and for the boxed warning on the US nasal product.

“The pooled estimate for the incidence of hyponatremia was 7.6% (95% CI 3.7-15.1).”

Verbatim, from the abstractWeatherall M. The risk of hyponatremia in older adults using desmopressin for nocturia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurourol Urodyn, 2004

Several well-run randomised trials in people, pointing the same way. You can plan around this. It still says nothing about whether the effect is worth the side effects for you.

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In context

Desmopressin is a synthetic analogue of the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin that concentrates urine without raising blood pressure. It is approved for diabetes insipidus, bedwetting, nocturia and some bleeding disorders. A Cochrane review of 14 trials found it reduces night-time voids by a little under one per night in men. Its serious risk is hyponatraemia — low blood sodium — in about 7.6% of older adults, which is why sodium is monitored. It is on WADA's list as a masking agent.

Desmopressin is approved (rx). Legal status differs by country — see the regulation section or the jurisdiction pages.

Questions

Is Desmopressin proven to cause hyponatraemia?
Yes, as far as human trials can show it: Meta-analysis, 7 studies. LYO grades this outcome A.
What studies are behind the grade?
Pooled incidence of low sodium 7.6% in older adults treated for nocturia — the reason for sodium checks before and during treatment and for the boxed warning on the US nasal product.
Is Desmopressin approved for this?
Desmopressin is an approved medicine (Approved (Rx)); whether this particular outcome is a licensed indication is stated on the compound page's regulation section.

Other outcomes for Desmopressin

Written and maintained by LYO Research — how pages are written and checked. Reviewed 23 September 2026. Grades count human evidence only; see how LYO grades. Not medical advice. Correct this page →