Desmopressin helps control the symptoms of diabetes insipidus (water diabetes) where the body produces an abnormally large amount of urine.
This medicine is also used to control excessive thirst and it reduces the production of an abnormally large amount of urine that occurs after a head injury or certain types of surgery.
Desmopressin may also be used to treat frequent urination at night.
Take Desmopressin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Desmopressin must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking it even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- moderate to severe kidney disease
- heart disease
- hyponatraemia (low sodium level in the blood)
as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- bleeding disorder
- conditions which may cause fluid or salt imbalance such as heart failure or cystic fibrosis (a disease that causes thick, sticky mucus build up in the lungs)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
While you are being treated with Desmopressin, you may need to limit your intake of water or other fluids. Your doctor will advise you about how much water or fluid you can take.
Desmopressin may cause any of the following side effects: headache, stomach pain and nausea.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines to treat depression e.g. fluoxetine, escitalopram, amitriptyline, clomipramine
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. ibuprofen, indomethacin
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. chlorpromazine
- medicines for epilepsy (seizures or fits) e.g. carbamazepine
- medicines for diarrhoea e.g. loperamide
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Desmopressin.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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