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  • Albuquerque Cat Clinic
  • 7007 Jefferson Ave NE, STE D-2,
  • Albuquerque,
  • New Mexico,
  • 87109
  • Phone: 505-323-1460
  • Email: ray@abqcatclinic.com

Desmopressin Acetate

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Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Desmopressin acetate is used to treat diabetes insipidus in cats.

How do I give this medication?desmopressin_acetate-1

"This is only a symptomatic treatment for the disease, not a cure; therefore, the medication requires long-term administration."
  • Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
  • Depending on the dosage form, this medication may be given orally or administered as an eye drop in the conjunctival sac.
  • Give this medication at about the same time each day.
  • DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed and do not give more often than directed.
  • This is only a symptomatic treatment for the disease, not a cure; therefore, the medication requires long-term administration.
  • Try not to miss giving any doses.

What do I do if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

  • Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
  • Store the eye drops in the refrigerator in a tight, light resistant container and store the tablets in a cool dry place.
  • The injectable formulation should be stored refrigerated. Do not freeze.

Are there any potential side effects?

  • Side effects in small animals are uncommon.
  • The eye drops may cause some irritation.
  • Hypersensitivity reactions are possible.
  • Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

What are the possible drug interactions?

  • Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving to your pet.
  • Quite often, your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and sometimes a drug interaction may occur. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
  • The following medications may interact with desmopressin acetate: chlorpropamide, carbamazepine, clofibrate, fludrocortisones, urea, lithium, epinephrine, demeclocycline, heparin or alcohol.
  • Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.

© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Last updated on Jul 8, 2016.