What is the most important information I should know about oral desmopressin?
It is very important to reduce your intake of water and other fluids while you are
taking
desmopressin. Drinking too much water can cause your body to lose sodium, which may
lead to a serious, life-threatening
electrolyte imbalance.
Fluid restriction is especially important in children and older adults taking desmopressin.
Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink.
You should not use this medication if you have severe
kidney disease or if you have
ever had hyponatremia (
low sodium levels in your body).
Before taking desmopressin, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, coronary artery
disease, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, high or low blood pressure, an
electrolyte imbalance, or a psychological disorder that causes extreme or unusual thirst.
To be sure desmopressin is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested
often. This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with this medication. Do not
miss any scheduled appointments.
What is desmopressin?
Desmopressin is a man-made form of a hormone that occurs naturally in the pituitary
gland. This hormone is important for many functions including blood flow, blood pressure,
kidney function, and regulating how the body uses water.
Desmopressin is used to treat bed-wetting, central cranial diabetes insipidus, and
increased thirst and urination caused by head surgery or head trauma.
Desmopressin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking oral desmopressin?
You should not take this medication if you are allergic to desmopressin, or if you
have:
Before taking desmopressin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any
medications, or if you have:
-
heart disease, coronary artery disease;
-
congestive heart failure;
-
kidney disease;
-
cystic fibrosis;
-
high or low blood pressure;
-
an electrolyte imbalance; or
-
a psychologic disorder that causes extreme or unusual
thirst.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely take desmopressin.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to harm an unborn baby.
Do not use desmopressin without telling your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether desmopressin passes into breast milk, or if it could harm a
nursing baby. Do not use desmopressin without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
How should I take desmopressin?
Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger
amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
It is very important to reduce your intake of water and other fluids while you are
taking desmopressin. Drinking too much water can cause your body to lose sodium, which may
lead to a serious, life-threatening electrolyte imbalance.
Fluid restriction is especially important in children and older adults taking desmopressin.
Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink.
If you are switching from desmopressin nasal spray to desmopressin tablets, wait at
least 24 hours after your last nasal dose before you take your first tablet.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested
often. This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with desmopressin. Do not
miss any scheduled appointments.
Store the tablets at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat.
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