What the studies show
About 0.85 fewer voids per night at three to twelve months against placebo, with low-quality evidence; little difference at under three months. A separate meta-analysis in women found 0.41 fewer.
“For intermediate-term follow-up (three to 12 months), desmopressin may reduce the number of nocturnal voids in an appreciable number of participants (MD -0.85, 95% CI -1.17 to -0.53; low-quality evidence).”
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.
- 1Han J, Jung JH, Bakker CJ, Ebell MH, Dahm P. Desmopressin for treating nocturia in men.Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 201714 studies, 2,966 men.
- 2
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 help with nocturia?
What studies are behind the grade?
Is Desmopressin approved for this?
Other outcomes for Desmopressin
- AHyponatraemia (older adults)adverseMeta-analysis, 7 studies
- ACentral diabetes insipidusDecades of use; the original indication
- ANocturnal enuresis in childrenCochrane review (2025 update)
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 →