Haemostasis and beyond: The expanding role of desmopressin in intensive care

Table 1 Desmopressin administration routes, dosing, onset, and half-life

Route	Typical dose	Time to peak effect	Half-life (healthy)	Half-life (renal impairment)	Clinical notes
Intravenous	0.3 µg/kg over 20-30 min	30-60 minutes	2-4 hours	8-10 hours	Preferred in ICU for bleeding control and acute DI
Subcutaneous	0.3 µg/kg	60-90 minutes	2-4 hours	Approximately 8 hours	Practical alternative when IV access is unavailable
Intranasal	150-300 µg (1-2 sprays)	60-90 minutes	Approximately 3 hours	Extended	Often used for chronic bleeding disorders or enuresis
Sublingual melt	120 µg (paediatric use)	60-90 minutes	Approximately 3 hours	Extended	Suitable for children or outpatient settings

ICU: Intensive care unit; DI: Diabetes insipidus; IV: Intravenous.