6.5 Hypothalmic and pituitary hormones and anti-oestrogens

6.5.1 Hypothalamic & anterior pituitary hormones & antioestogens

 

Somatropin
(Synthetic human growth hormone)

R

Endocrinology

 

6.5.2 Posterior pituitary hormones and antagonists

 

Desmopressin tablets 200mcg

R

Paediatrics

Desmopressin spray 10mcg/spray

R

Endocrinology

Desmopressin Acetate Protocol

Desmopressin acetate is given by intravenous infusion to:

Dose for adults and children:

Parenteral dosage: IV dose of 0.3 or 0.4 micrograms (300 - 400 nanograms) per kg body-weight; administer dose 30mins prior to surgery.

Intranasal dosage: 150 micrograms (in patients weighing less than 50kg) or 300 micrograms; administer dose 2 hours prior to surgery. (Note: Factor VIII response is less predictable than with injection)

Parenteral administration

The appropriate dose of desmopressin should be diluted in 0.9% sodium chloride injection and infused slowly over 15 to 30 minutes.

Monitoring

During the infusion of the drug, the following should be monitored:

The following should be monitored during desmopressin therapy to ensure that an adequate response is being achieved:

Repeat the same dose 12 to 24 hours later if there is surgical bleeding.

Cautions/Contraindication

References:

  1. Parfitt K. (Ed) Martindale: The complete drug reference. 33rd ed. London: The Pharmaceutical Press 2002

  2. McEvoy G.K. (Ed) AHFS Drug information. Bethesda: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2002

Produced by:

Medicines Information Centre, South Manchester University Hospital NHS Trust, July 2003

Reviewed: June 2005

Review due: June 2006

Approved by Dr F Kanyike, Consultant Haematologist