Desmopressin

Desmopressin is a synthetic replacement for vasopressin, the hormone that reduces urine production during sleep. It may be taken nasally, intravenously, or as a pill. Doctors prescribe desmopressin most frequently for treatment of diabetes insipidus or bed-wetting. It is the levels of vasopressin in the body which can lead to diabetes insipidus, which is the cause of continual thirst and frequent urination. Desmopressin works by limiting the amount of water that is eliminated in the urine. It can also be used to treat bed-wetting (enuresis), in both children and adults and to check kidney functioning as well as check for diabetes insipidus. It will also help to boost clotting factors to treat haemophilia. If you are going through a patch of vomiting and diarrhoea desmopressin should not be taken as it will upset the body’s fluid balance.

Desmopressin can be used to promote the release of von Willebrand factor and factor VIII in patients with coagulation disorders such as type I von Willebrand disease (hereditary coagulation abnormality), mild haemophilia A (factor VIII deficiency), and hrombocytopenia. It can be used with uremic induced anaemia due to platelet dysfunction. It is not effective in the treatment of haemophilia B (factor IX deficiency) or severe haemophilia A. Information and history on this medication can be found at Wikipedia.

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Quick Guide

• Diabetes drug danger of overdose – MEDIUM.
• Dependency is said to be – LOW.
• Prescription only drug – YES.
• Available as generic – YES (generic drugs, short: generics) is a drug which is produced and distributed without patent protection.
• Alcohol Avoidance Seek your doctors advise.

Side Effects

You may if on this medication suffer one or more of these side effects, in the initial stages. However, you may find you do not suffer any at all, as it does not follow that being on this medication will cause unwanted adverse effects.

Common: None
Rare: Convulsions, facial flushing, Headaches, hyponatremia (electrolyte disturbance), Increased Body Weight, Nausea, Nosebleeds, Vomiting

The side effects listed here are the most common and rare problems reported by patients using this medication It does not include all of the side effects reported by the drug’s manufacturer. If common side effects persist you need to inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you suffer any of the rare or some other side effects not listed here. For total peace of mind, seek information from your doctor or chemist.

Prolonged Use

If you are taken the drug for bedwetting you may find that the drug will be withdrawn after 3 months for a week, this allows time for an assessment of the situation to be carried out as to the need to continue treatment or not. There would be no problems expected if you have diabetes insipidus.

Driving, Hazardous Work & Alcohol

There would be no risk as regard to these activities. However, check with your doctor for advice on how much your fluid intake should be.

Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

Desmopressin would be used with caution during pregnancy. The drug passes into the breast milk. However, problems are unlikely. Desmopressin nasal is in the US. U S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) pregnancy category B. Drugs in this category are not expected to harm an unborn baby.

Desmopressin is classified as a pregnancy Category B medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Category B… Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.

Tell Your Doctor Or Pharmacist

You should tell your doctor if you have a current health problem. For example: heart disease, kidney problems, if you are pregnant or you intend to become pregnant, or if you think you may be at risk from drug treatment for any other reason. Some types of medication can cause serious adverse effects when taken side by side so it is important to tell your doctor of any other medication you are already taking. This should also include any over-the-counter medication. For example: Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary / alternative medication.

See full list of things you should tell your doctor about.»

Over 60′s & Children

The over sixties may need monitoring to ensure the correct fluid balance. There would be no special problems for children. However, infants would probably need monitoring to be sure of correct fluid balance.

Overdose

If for what ever reason you take an unintentional extra dose it would be unlikely to cause a problem. However, a large overdose could prevent the kidney’s from clearing fluids with ensuing problems including convulsions. Seek medical advise immediately.

Failing this go to your nearest accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you. This will help the hospital staff identify what has been taken and work towards given the right kind of help without delay.

Other Medication Reactions

The effects of desmopressin can be increased by drugs like Antidepressants, Chlorpropamide and Carbamazepine. The body’s response to desmopressin may increase if taken the anti-inflammatory drug Indometacin.

Missed A Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Reducing or Stopping Medication

Symptoms of diabetes insipidus may recur if you stop this medication without consulting your doctor before hand.

Effect Of Medication

Effects of this drug using nasal spray, nasal solution, or injection can be felt in minutes with full benefits in a few hours. If you are taking tablets effects may be felt within 30 to 90 minutes

If you are taking the tablets effects may be felt for 8 hours. Injection or nasal solution could be 8 to 12 hours. Nasal spray could last for up to 10/12 hours.

Storage and Safety

Keep medicine in its original container, in a cool dry place, away from the reach of children. Never take medication that has past the expiry date shown on the box or container. Return all un-used or old medicines to your pharmacist. Do not discard old or unwanted medication into your trash, sink or toilet.

If this medication has been prescribed for you never allow anyone else to use it, even if you know or others feel their symptom are similar to your own.

Do not leave your doctors surgery until you have a clear understanding of what the drug your doctor has prescribed for you does, and why you have been prescribed it. It is common for people who do not understand the reason behind there treatment to take their medication correctly.