Drug
Desmopressin
Pronounced
"dess-mow-PRESS-in"
Uses
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. This medication helps to control increased thirst and too much urination due to these conditions, and helps prevent dehydration.
Desmopressin products applied in the nose are no longer indicated to control nighttime bedwetting in children because of the increased risk of developing a serious side effect (a low level of sodium in the blood).
Warning
Desmopressin can rarely cause low sodium levels in the blood (hyponatremia), which can be serious or even fatal. Your risk may be higher if you drink too much fluid, take certain medications (such as "water pills"/diuretics including furosemide, corticosteroids such as prednisone), are 65 years or older, or have certain medical conditions. To monitor your risk, your doctor should check your sodium blood level before you start using this medication 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, 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 seizures or trouble breathing.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist and the patient instruction sheet that come with this product before you start using desmopressin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Follow the instructions on how to properly prime the bottle if you are using it for the first time or if you have not used it for a week or more. Spray this medication in the nose, usually 1 to 3 times a day as directed by your doctor. If the dose is more than 1 spray, spray half the dose in each nostril. For example, if the dose is 2 sprays, give 1 spray in each nostril.
Keep track of the number of sprays used from each container. Discard the container after you have used the number of sprays specified on the package.
If a child is using this medication, a parent or other responsible adult should supervise and help the child use this medication properly.
Limit water and other fluids while using this medication, especially in children and older adults. Consult your doctor for more details. If you find that you are drinking more fluid than directed, tell your doctor right away. Your treatment will need to be adjusted.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if this medication stops working well.