DESMOPRESSIN

Brand & Generic Names

DDAVP
Stimate

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? No
• Drug class: Antidiuretic, antihemorrhagic

Uses

• Prevents and controls symptoms associated with central diabetes insipidus.
• Treats primary nocturnal enuresis (bed wetting during sleep).

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Nasal spray: Fill the rhinyle (a flexible, calibrated catheter) with a measured dose of the nasal spray. Blow on the other end of the catheter to deposit the solution deep into the nasal cavity. For infants and children, an air-filled syringe may be used.

When to take:
At the same time each day, according to instructions on prescription label.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose. Don't double this dose.

What drug does:
Increases water reabsorption in the kidney and decreases urine output.

Time lapse before drug works:
Within 1 hour. Effect may last from 6 to 24 hours.

Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Confusion, coma, seizures.

WHAT TO DO:

Overdose unlikely to threaten life. If person takes much larger amount than prescribed, call doctor, poison-control center or hospital emergency room for instructions.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

None expected.

Common:

Headache.

Infrequent:

• Flushed or red skin, nausea.
• Abdominal cramps.

Rare:

• Water intoxication (confusion, drowsiness, headache, seizures, rapid weight gain).
• Increased blood pressure.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:

• You know that you are sensitive to desmopressin.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have allergic rhinitis.
• If you have nasal congestion.
• If you have a cold or other upper respiratory infection.
• If you have heart disease or high blood pressure.

Over age 60:
Increased risk of water intoxication.

Pregnancy:
No proven harm to unborn child, but avoid if possible. Consult doctor.

Breast-feeding:
Drug passes into milk. Avoid drug or discontinue nursing until you finish medicine. Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.

Infants & children:
More sensitive to effect.

Prolonged use:
May require increasing dosage for same effect.

Skin & sunlight:
No special problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes.

Discontinuing:
No special problems expected.

Others:

• Advise any doctor or dentist whom you consult that you take this medicine.
• Fluid intake may need to be adjusted.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
-------------------------	-----------------------
Carbamazepine	May increase desmopressin effect.
Chlorpropamide	May increase desmopressin effect.
Clofibrate	May increase desmopressin effect.
Demeclocycline	May increase desmopressin effect.
Lithium	May increase desmopressin effect.
Norepinephrine	May increase desmopressin effect.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	May decrease desmopressin effect.
Caffeine drinks.	May decrease desmopressin effect.
Cocaine:	May decrease desmopressin effect.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	May decrease desmopressin effect.
Tobacco:	May decrease desmopressin effect.