Desmopressin - Intensive Care & Coordination Monitoring Unit

Liverpool Health Service Drug Administration Protocol First Issued February 2002
Intensive Care Unit
Clinical Considerations
• Observe for signs of water intoxication, report immediately.
• Maintain strict fluid balance.
• Monitor electrolytes frequently.
• Monitor urinalysis, including specific gravity:
⇒ SG < 1.005 may indicate need for further investigations as to the cause of dilute urine.
⇒ Rule out spurious causes such as large IV / oral / enteral administration of fluids.
⇒ Rule out drugs which cause diuresis e.g. mannitol or frusemide.
• If SG is < 1.005 and there is a history of cranial injury/surgery; ensure that there is confirmation of
DI with both serum and urine osmolality results prior to the administration of desmopressin.
• Monitor serum and urine osmolality.
• Serum osmolality normal value: 266 – 300 mosm/kg
• Urine osmolality: 300 – 1400 mosm/kg.
References
Carlton, J.B. 1997. The handbook of parenteral drug administration. (4 th . Ed.). William’s Printers. Shepparton
MIMS Online. CIAP: NSW Health Department. 1 August-31 October 2001. http://www.mims.hcn.net.au/
Policy Author(s): M. Edgtton-Winn, ICU – CNC.
Policy Reviewers: ICU Director, ICU – CNC.
Reviewed: September 2004 Authors: M. Edgtton-Winn Page 4 of 4
Review Date: September 2005