Desmopressin
(Desmopressin)Desmopressin Overview
Desmopressin is used to control the amount of urine your kidneys make. Normally, the amount of urine you make is controlled by a certain substance in the body called vasopressin. In people who have "water diabetes" (diabetes insipidus) or certain kinds of head injury or brain surgery, the body does not make enough vasopressin. Desmopressin is a man-made form of vasopressin and is used to replace a low level of vasopressin. Desmopressin helps to control increased thirst and too much urination due to these conditions, and helps prevent dehydration. Desmopressin is also used to control nighttime bedwetting in children. It reduces how often your child urinates and decreases the number of bedwetting episodes.
Desmopressin Warnings
Desmopressin can rarely cause a low level of sodium in the blood (hyponatremia), which can be serious or even fatal. Drinking too much liquid, using certain medications (such as water pills/diuretics including furosemide, glucocorticoids such as prednisone), being 65 years or older, or having certain medical conditions may increase the risk of low sodium in the blood. Lab tests (such as urine tests, sodium blood levels) must be done before you start using Desmopressin and while you are using it. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of low sodium in the blood, such as nausea, vomiting, headache, muscle weakness/cramps, unusual tiredness, unusual drowsiness, dizziness, restlessness, mental/mood changes including confusion/irritability. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including seizure or trouble breathing.
How to Use Desmopressin
For the treatment of diabetes insipidus, take Desmopressin by mouth, usually 2 to 3 times a day or as directed by your doctor. For the treatment of bedwetting, take Desmopressin by mouth, usually once a day at bedtime. Children should limit the fluids they drink after dinner, especially 1 hour before the desmopressin dose until the next morning, or at least 8 hours after the dose. If your child wakes up during the night, limit the amount that your child drinks. All patients taking desmopressin, especially children and older adults, must limit drinking of water and other fluids. Consult your doctor for details. If you find that you are drinking more fluids than directed, tell your doctor right away. Your treatment will need to be adjusted. Dosage of Desmopressin is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not take more desmopressin or take it more often than prescribed. Take Desmopressin regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if Desmopressin stops working well.
Desmopressin Precautions
Before taking desmopressin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Desmopressin may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Desmopressin, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,kidney disease, high blood pressure, heart problems (such as blocked blood vessels, heart failure), conditions that may increase your risk of fluid/mineral imbalance (such as cystic fibrosis), the urge to drink too much water without being thirsty, a low level of sodium in the blood (hyponatremia), bleeding/clotting problems. If you become dehydrated, your doctor will correct that condition first before starting treatment with desmopressin. Limit alcohol because it can interfere with how well desmopressin works. Tell the doctor right away if you develop any illness that can cause water/mineral imbalance (including fever, diarrhea, vomiting, infections such as the flu) or if you experience conditions that require drinking more fluids (for example, exposure to very hot weather, strenuous exercise, heavy sweating). The doctor may need to stop or adjust desmopressin treatment, especially in children and older adults. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of Desmopressin, especially water/mineral imbalance and a low level of sodium in the blood. Older adults may be at greater risk for water/mineral imbalance and a low level of sodium in the blood while using Desmopressin. During pregnancy, Desmopressin should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Desmopressin passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Desmopressin Misdose
If you take 1 dose daily and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up. If you take more than 1 dose daily and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Desmopressin Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.tolvaptan, water pills/diuretics (such as furosemide).
Desmopressin Side Effects
Headache, nausea, upset stomach, or flushing of the face may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that Desmopressin has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Desmopressin do not have serious side effects. A very serious allergic reaction to Desmopressin is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction,rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Desmopressin Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Desmopressin when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
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