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 is also used by adults who wake up 2 or more times during the night to urinate due to a condition called nocturnal polyuria. It helps reduce how often you wake up at night to urinate.
Desmopressin is also used to treat children who wet the bed at night. It helps decrease the number of times the child urinates and wets the bed.
Warning
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, corticosteroids 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 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, 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 This Medication
Read the Medication Guide if available from your pharmacist before you start taking desmopressin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
To take this medication, remove the tablet from the packaging with dry hands and place it under the tongue. Leave the tablet under your tongue until it dissolves. Do not chew or swallow the tablet whole.
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 nighttime urination, take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once at bedtime. Limit the fluids you drink, especially 1 hour before you take this medication until 8 hours after the dose.
For the treatment of bedwetting, take this medication usually once a day 1 hour before bedtime. Children should limit the fluids they drink after dinner, especially 1 hour before bedtime 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 drinking water and other fluids while taking desmopressin. Consult your doctor for details. If you find that you are drinking more fluids than directed, tell your doctor right away.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not take more desmopressin or take it more often than prescribed.
Take this medication 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 get better or if this medication stops working well.
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