DDAVP is a synthetic drug similar to the natural pituitary antidiuretic hormone, 8-arginine vasopressin. It is given to patients with mild Hemophilia A or Von Willebrand Disease to arrest bleeding. The drug stimulates endogenous release of Factor VIII and Von Willebrand Factor from storage granules in endothelial cells and platelets. This causes a temporary increase in these proteins (2-5 times over baseline values at 1 hour after administration). The drug can be given intravenously, subcutaneously, or by intranasal spray.
