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Desmopressin

This form:

Pronounced

"dess-mow-PRESS-in"

Common brand names:

DDAVP

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 is also used to control nighttime bedwetting in children. It reduces how often your child urinates and decreases the number of bedwetting episodes.

How to Use This Medication

For the treatment of diabetes insipidus, take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 3 times a day.

For the treatment of bedwetting, take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, 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.

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, take it at the same times 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.