Advantage of desmopressin over vasopressin in the treatment of diabetes insipidus is that desmopressin:
Desmopressin is selective agonist of V2 receptors of vasopressin. V2 receptors are present in kidney and on endothelium whereas V1 receptors are present in blood vessels. Therefore, -Desmopressin is less likely to cause vasoconstriction than vasopressin. -Desmopressin has similar risk of causing hyponatremia due to retention of water. -Desmopressin can release of factor VIII and vWF similar to vasopressin. -Both desmopressin and vasopressin can provide similar relief of excessive thirst.
Causes less formation of factor VIII
Causes less hypernatremia
Is more selective for V2 receptor subtype
Provides greater relief of excessive thirst the patient is experiencing
Kidney