Desmotabs (desmopressin)

Health and Nutrition > Medicines > D



How does it work?

Desmotabs contain the active ingredient desmopressin, which is a type of medicine called a vasopressin analogue. It is similar to a hormone produced naturally by the body, called vasopressin or antidiuretic hormone.

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. It is involved in controlling the natural balance of water levels in the body. It normally acts on receptors in the kidneys to prevent excessive amounts of water being filtered out of the blood and into the urine. This reduces the production of urine.

Normally more urine is produced during the day, and the kidneys concentrate the urine so less is produced at night. This process is controlled by the antidiuretic hormone. If the kidneys fail to concentrate urine in the night, it can cause bedwetting or the need to go to the toilet a lot.

Desmopressin is similar in structure to natural ADH. It works by binding to the ADH receptors in the kidneys, which mimics the effect of natural ADH. This reduces the production of urine.

Desmotabs are used to treat bedwetting at night (nocturnal enuresis), if this proves to be caused by a deficiency of the natural hormone.

The need for continued treatment should be reassessed after three months by means of a period of at least one week without desmopressin tablets.

What is it used for?

- Bedwetting at night (primary nocturnal enuresis).

Warning!

- Do not exceed the prescribed dose.
- It is important that you avoid excessive fluid intake while having treatment with this medicine, as this can lead to a build up of fluid in the body. (This includes avoiding accidentally swallowing water if you go swimming.) You should limit your fluid intake to a minimum, starting from one hour before taking the medicine at bedtime until eight hours after each dose. Follow the instructions given by your doctor.
- If you suffer from vomiting or diarrhoea you should stop using this medicine until you feel better.
- If you experience signs or symptoms of water retention and/or decreased concentration of sodium in the blood (an unusually bad or prolonged headache, confusion, nausea and vomiting, unexplained weight gain and in severe cases, convulsions) you should stop taking this medicine and consult a doctor immediately.

Use with caution in

- Decreased kidney function.
- Disease involving the heart and blood vessels.
- Cystic fibrosis.
- Imbalance of water and salt concentrations in the blood (fluid and electrolyte imbalance).
- People at risk of developing raised pressure inside the skull (intracranial pressure).

Not to be used in

- Children under five years of age.
- People over 65 years of age.
- Heart failure.
- High blood pressure .
- Any other condition treated with medicines that increase urine production (diuretics).
- Abnormal intense thirst caused by mental disorders (psychogenic polydipsia).
- People who drink abnormally large amounts of fluid, including alcohol.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit is greater than any possible risk to the developing baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor. If this medicine is used during pregnancy, blood pressure monitoring is recommended due to an increased risk of pre-eclampsia.
- This medicine may pass into breast milk. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

- Headache.
- Stomach ache.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Emotional disturbance in children (very rarely).
- If taken without restricting fluid intake (see warnings above): retention of water in the body tissues (fluid retention), low blood sodium level (hyponatraemia) or seizures (convulsions).

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use © Copyright 1998 - 2009 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved