Related to this topic: Leaflets | Equipment | Books | Your Experience | Other resources | Glossaries
Print options: Printer friendly version of this leaflet (html)     Other options:  AddThis Social Bookmark Button (what's this?)

Desmopressin

  • Do not drink large quantities of fluids while you are taking desmopressin.
  • Do not take more than the dose you have been prescribed.
  • Keep your regular doctor's appointments so your progress can be checked.

About desmopressin

Type of medicine Vasopressin analogue
Used for Diabetes insipidus (over-production of urine)
Nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting)
Following surgical removal of the pituitary gland
Management of mild or moderate haemophilia and type I von Willebrand's disease
Blood clotting tests
Also called DDAVP®
DDAVP® Melt
DesmoMelt®
Desmospray®
Desmotabs®
Octim®
Available as Tablets
Orodispersible (Melt-in-the-mouth) Tablets
Injection
Nasal Drops
Nasal Spray

Desmopressin is known as an antidiuretic, which means that it reduces the production of urine. It acts on the kidneys to reduce the amount of water being filtered out of the blood and into the urine.

Desmopressin injection is also used to increase the levels of some clotting factors in the blood and help the blood to clot more efficiently. People with haemophilia or von Willebrand's disease have either a deficiency or a complete lack of some of these clotting factors and therefore have problems with stopping bleeding.

The surgical removal of the pituitary gland in the brain can lead to the over-production of urine and excessive thirst. Desmopressin is also useful following such an operation.

Before taking desmopressin

Before taking desmopressin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from heart, blood vessel or kidney problems.
  • If you suffer from high blood pressure, asthma, epilepsy or migraines.
  • If you suffer from cystic fibrosis.
  • If you are over 65 years of age.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
  • If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take desmopressin

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take this preparation exactly as your doctor has told you to. It is important that you do not take more than the dose you have been prescribed.
  • If you have been given sublingual tablets to 'melt' in the mouth, place the tablet under the tongue and allow it to dissolve. If it breaks into pieces as you are taking it out of the packaging, this may mean that you do not receive the correct dose. If this happens, unwrap another tablet and do not use the broken one.
  • If you have been prescribed the intranasal solution you will have been told how to measure out your dose. If you are still unsure, ask your pharmacist or practice nurse to show you.
  • If you have been given desmopressin spray, prime the spray by pressing several times until you see a fine spray. To receive a dose, tilt your head back, place the nozzle just inside a nostril, hold your breath and press the spray once. Repeat this process in alternating nostrils until your dose is reached.
  • If you you miss taking a dose or if you take more doses than you have been told to, ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • While you are taking desmopressin do not drink large quantities of fluids as this can lead to a build up of water in your body.
  • If you are taking desmopressin for bedwetting or passing water during the night, it is important that you drink as little as possible from 1 hour before taking your dose to 8 hours afterwards.
  • If you suffer from any gastro-intestinal upset that includes sickness or diarrhoea while you are taking desmopressin, miss out your dose of desmopressin until you are drinking normally again. If you are unsure about whether to miss a dose, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
  • You may also be advised not to swim while you are being treated with desmopressin. If you wish to go swimming, ask your doctor for advice.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with desmopressin.

Can desmopressin cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Stomach pain, feeling or being sick Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If the headache is severe or continues, speak with your doctor
If using the nasal spray: nose bleeds, and runny or stuffy nose If this is troublesome, let your doctor know
Increased weight, confusion Let your doctor know. These may be signs that your dose needs adjusting

Important: If you develop convulsions (fits), this may mean that the fluids and salts in your body are out of balance. Contact a doctor straight away.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store desmopressin

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light. The intranasal solution should be refrigerated.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
1412		 DocRef:
dils3056		 Last Updated:
17 Nov 2008		 Date of Next Review:
17 Nov 2010		 Version:
22






Want to advertise on this site? Find out how >>





Want to advertise on this site? Find out how >>

PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

^ Top of Page