What is the drug desmopressin used for?

What is the drug desmopressin used for?

Desmopressin is used to control the symptoms of a certain type of diabetes insipidus (‘water diabetes’; condition in which the body produces an abnormally large amount of urine).

What does desmopressin do to urine?

Desmopressin works by reducing the amount of urine produced in the body at night by the kidneys. This means that the bladder then fills with less urine during the night. Desmopressin is usually taken at bedtime.

What does desmopressin do to blood pressure?

Infrequently, desmopressin may affect your blood pressure. It may cause an increase or decrease in your blood pressure. A temporary drop in your blood pressure may result in dizziness and a fast heartbeat. Ask your doctor for more details, especially if you have heart problems or high or low blood pressure.

How long does it take desmopressin to work?

How long does desmopressin take to work? After the tablet or nasal spray/solution is given, desmopressin usually starts to work within 1 hour. After an injection is given, desmopressin usually starts to work within 15 to 30 minutes.

Can you drink water with desmopressin?

Limit your intake of water and other fluids while you are using desmopressin. Drinking too much water may lead to a serious, life-threatening electrolyte imbalance. Fluid restriction is especially important in children and older adults using desmopressin.

Does desmopressin make you gain weight?

Desmopressin can sometimes cause fluid retention. Early symptoms are swelling of the face, hands or feet, bad or prolonged headaches, drowsiness (feeling sleepy), unexplained weight gain, feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting).

Can you drink alcohol on desmopressin?

Notes for Consumers: Avoid alcohol-containing drinks while taking Desmopressin. Alcohol may work against the beneficial actions of Desmopressin (Desmopressin usually works to decrease urination).

How long before bed should you take desmopressin?

Desmopressin lasts eight hours so it must be taken just before your child goes to sleep and there must be no drinks until eight hours after it has been taken. It can be more effective to take Desmopressin an hour before going to sleep so that it’s already working on slowing wee production as your child goes to bed.