Uses
Desmopressin is a man-made form of vasopressin. Vasopressin is a substance in your body that helps control how much urine you make. This medication is used by adults who wake up 2 or more times during the night to urinate due to a condition called nocturnal polyuria. This is a condition where your body makes too much urine at night. Other conditions can also cause you to wake up at night to urinate, so you will receive this treatment only after tests by your doctor show you have this condition.Do not use this medication to treat children who wet the bed at night.
How to use Desmopressin Spray, Non-Aerosol
Read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using desmopressin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Follow the instructions to properly prime the bottle if you are using it for the first time or if you have not used it for more than 3 days. Do not shake the bottle. Before using, blow your nose to clear your nostrils. Spray this medication in the nose as directed by your doctor, usually once daily, about 30 minutes before going to bed.
Limit drinking water and other fluids close to bedtime while using this medication. Consult your doctor for details.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to treatment. Do not use more desmopressin or use it more often than prescribed.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.
If you develop nose problems (such as blockage, runny/stuffy nose due to a cold) while using this medication, tell your doctor right away. Your doctor may direct you to temporarily stop using this medication until your symptoms get better.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.
Side Effects
See also Warning section.
Nose discomfort, runny/stuffy nose, nose bleed, or sneezing may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: 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.
In the US -
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.
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, 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.
Precautions
Before using desmopressin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, heart problems (such as blocked blood vessels, heart failure), high blood pressure, nose problems (such as blockage, runny/stuffy nose), the urge to drink too much water without being thirsty, conditions that may increase your risk of fluid/mineral imbalance (such as urinary retention), a low level of sodium in the blood (hyponatremia), a certain brain disorder (syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion).
Tell the doctor right away if you develop any illness that can cause water/mineral imbalance (including fever, diarrhea, vomiting, infections such as flu) or if you have conditions that require drinking more fluids (for example, exposure to very hot weather, strenuous exercise). The doctor may need to stop or adjust desmopressin treatment.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (such as prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be at greater risk for water/mineral imbalance and low levels of sodium in the blood while using this drug.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This medication passes into breast milk in small amounts. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Interactions
See also Warning section.
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.
Some products that may interact with this drug are: corticosteroids that are taken by mouth or inhaled (such as fluticasone, prednisone), tolvaptan, "water pills"/diuretics (such as furosemide).
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: confusion, seizure.
Do not share this medication with others.
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Before opening, store upright in the refrigerator away from moisture. After opening, store upright at room temperature. 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 this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.