Drawing Up Desmopressin (DDAVP) with a 30-unit Insulin Syringe

These instructions are for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) patients with diabetes insipidus, also known as arginine vasopressin deficiency (AVP-D), prescribed a concentrated form of desmopressin (DDAVP) to give at home.

Important information:

• Desmopressin (DDAVP) is a modified antidiuretic hormone medicine that can be given as a subcutaneous injection (underneath the skin through a needle).

• This medicine comes in a concentrated solution of 4 micrograms (mcg) per milliliter (mL) for injection. 

• Your child is prescribed a dose of DDAVP that is smaller than 0.4 micrograms (mcg). Follow these instructions to be sure that you draw up the correct amount of medicine into the syringe.

Instructions for measuring DDAVP doses smaller than 0.4 mcg:

• To safely measure desmopressin doses smaller than 0.4 micrograms (mcg), you will use a 30-unit BD insulin syringe. The desmopressin dose (mcg) and drug volume (mL) are different from the number of units that you will draw up with BD-insulin syringe. It is very important to follow directions and take as prescribed.

• The lines on the insulin syringe are referred to as units (not micrograms). A dose measured in micrograms is not the same as a dose measured in units. Your healthcare provider will tell you how many units of DDAVP to draw up for your child’s dose.

• Each line on the left side of the syringe is equal to half (0.5) units. 

• Each line on the right-side of the syringe is equal to 1 unit.

• For doses that are whole numbers (for example,7 units), use the markings on the right side. 

• For doses that have a half number (for example, 1.5 units), use the markings on the left side. 

• Please note that your child has been prescribed a concentrated form of DDAVP to use at home. The amount of medicine your child receives at home may be smaller than what was given in the hospital.

• Review instructions for drawing up DDAVP carefully with your healthcare provider every time a dose is changed. 

Reviewed February 2024 by Jessica Zook, Pharm D