Effects of DDAVP in cranial diabetes insipidus as compared to other antidiuretic drugs.

Five antidiuretic drugs were administered in each of twenty patients with cranial diabetes insipidus (DI). A daily intranasal dose of 10 microgram DDAVP (Adiuretin) produced longer and stronger antidiuretic effects than the posterior pituitary snuff, containing 100 microgram AVP, and than 12.5 microgram synthetic LVP spray, but a shorter antidiuresis than 12.5 microgram vasopressin tannate in oil, administered intramuscularly, antidiuresis lasting 14, 6, 4 and 36 hs respectively. Chlorpropamide produced an inconstant and less potent antidiuresis. 10microgram DDAVP given per nostril twice a day cancelled completely and without side effects DI in five patients with bronchospastic reaction to-pituitary snuff; the same daily dose was sufficient for the safe treatment of two DI women along pregnancy and lactation periods. It is recommended to use DDAVP as elective drug for the treatment of cranial DI.