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Desmopressin
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Description
Desmopressin is the synthetic form of the hormone vasopressin (ADH), which helps in the conservation of water in the body. This medicine is used to treat diabetes insipidus, a condition characterized by intense thirst and heavy urination. The oral form of this medicine is also used to treat bedwetting. The injectable and nasal forms of this medicine are also used to maintain hemostasis (stop/reduce bleeding) in patients suffering from conditions such as Von Willebrand disease and hemophilia A.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Desmopressin
Nasal congestion
Headache
Nosebleed
Sore throat
Nausea
Abdominal pain and cramps
Flushing
Injection site pain
Uses of Desmopressin
What is it prescribed for?
Diabetes insipidus
This medicine is used in the treatment of diabetes insipidus, a condition characterized by symptoms such as increased thirst and increased amount of urination.
Hemophilia A
The injectable and intranasal forms of this medicine are used to maintain hemostasis in patients suffering from Hemophilia A, a genetic deficiency of a clotting factor, which results in an increased amount of bleeding.
Von Willebrand Disease
The injectable and intranasal forms of this medicine are used to maintain hemostasis in patients suffering from Von Willebrand Disease, which is a genetic disorder caused by missing or defective von Willebrand factor (VWF), that may result in an excessive amount of bleeding.
Bedwetting
The oral form of this medicine is used in the treatment of bedwetting (primary nocturnal enuresis).
Concerns
Commonly asked questions
Onset of action
The effect of this medicine can be observed within 30 minutes of intravenous administration and within 60 minutes of intranasal or oral administration.Duration of effect
The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 6 to 14 hours.Safe with alcohol?
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.Is it habit forming?
No habit-forming tendencies were reported.Usage in pregnancy?
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking/receiving this medicine.Usage while breast-feeding?
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking/receiving this medicine.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to desmopressin or any other inactive ingredients present along with it.
Renal impairment
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients suffering from a moderate-to-severe renal impairment (CrCl less than 50 ml/min) due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Hyponatremia
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients suffering from hyponatremia (decreased sodium levels) or patients with a history of hyponatremia due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking/receiving this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking/receiving this medicine.
General warnings
Fluid restriction
This medicine may lead to water intoxication and/or very low blood sodium levels which may be fatal in some patients. Hence, fluid restriction is recommended during treatment with this medicine, especially when the medicine is not used to control increased urination. Report any symptoms such as a headache, nausea, vomiting, weight gain, restlessness, fatigue, lethargy, disorientation, depressed reflexes, loss of appetite, irritability, muscle weakness, muscle spasms or cramps, hallucinations, decreased levels of consciousness, confusion, etc. to the doctor immediately. Close monitoring of blood sodium levels, appropriate patient/caregiver counseling, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Type IIB von Willebrand’s disease
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients suffering from type IIB Von Willebrand disease due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Appropriate diagnostic tests should be done to determine the type of Von Willebrand disease prior to beginning therapy with this medicine. Replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Habitual polydipsia (increased thirst)
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with habitual or psychogenic polydipsia who may be more likely to drink excessive amounts of water, due to the increased risk of water intoxication and decreased blood sodium levels. Close monitoring of blood sodium levels, appropriate patient/caregiver counseling, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Missed Dose
Nasal and oral forms: If a dose is missed, take/administer it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take/administer the next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
Injectable forms: Since this medicine is usually administered in the hospital/clinical setting by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of missing a dose is very low.
Overdose
Nasal and oral forms: Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
Injectable forms: Since this medicine is usually administered in the hospital/clinical setting by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of an overdose is very low. However, emergency medical treatment will be initiated by your doctor if an overdose is suspected.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
NSAIDs
Tricyclic Antidepressants
SSRIs
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Nasal/Oral forms: Use this medicine exactly as advised by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts than advised/prescribed. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable side effects. Ensure that the treatment course is completed. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Injectable forms: This medicine is generally used prior to a surgical procedure to reduce bleeding in patients suffering from hemophilia A and/or von Willebrand disease. Inform the doctor if you have a known history of an allergy to this medicine. Report to the doctor all your current medications including any herbs and supplements as well as your medical history before undergoing treatment with this medicine.
Miscelleneous
How it works
This medicine acts on the kidneys and reduces urine production. When used for the treatment of hemophilia A and Von Willebrand disease, this medicine helps in maintaining hemostasis (stopping/reducing bleeding).
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Antidiuretics
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2018 [cited 1 August 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2018 [cited 1 August 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2018 [cited 1 August 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Tga.gov.au. 2018 [cited 1 August 2018]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 24 Aug 2018
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.