How does it work?

Desmopressin is a medicine similar to antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or vasopressin, which is a naturally occuring hormone produced by the body. ADH has two main effects in the body. Firstly, it acts on receptors in the kidneys to prevent excessive loss of water in the urine. Secondly, ADH causes the narrowing of blood vessels (vasoconstriction), thereby limiting the flow of blood to a certain areas of the body. In the condition diabetes insipidus, there is a deficiency of the hormone ADH. This results in the production of excessive quantities of very dilute (but otherwise normal) urine and excessive thirst. Desmopressin is used to treat this disorder by binding to ADH receptors in the kidneys. This then mimics the effect of ADH, therefore preventing dehydration which is caused by the excessive loss of water. Desmopressin is also useful in treating bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis) and the need to pass urine at night (nocturia), particularly in multiple sclerosis where other treatments have failed.

What is it used for?

A disease in which large amounts of dilute urine are produced, resulting in constant thirst (diabetes insipidus).

Bedwetting

Establishing the kidney's ability to concentrate urine (renal concentration capacity)

Passing of urine at night (nocturia) associated with multiple sclerosis

Warning!

Regular monitoring of weight, blood pressure and fluid / salt (electrolyte) balance are advised during treatment.

Discontinue this medicine if vomiting or diarrhoea occurs.

Avoid accidental swallowing of water whilst swimming.

This medicine is to be sprayed into the nostril(s) only.

When treating enuresis (bedwetting) fluid intake should be limited to a minimum.

Use with caution in

Cystic fibrosis

Decreased kidney function

Disease involving the heart and blood vessels

Imbalance of water and salt concentrations in the blood (fluid and electrolyte imbalance)

Individuals at risk of developing high pressure in the skull (intracranial pressure)

Not to be used in

Abnormal intense thirst caused by mental disorders, which maybe rational or irrational (pyschogenic polydipsia)

Allergy to benzalkonium chloride

Any disease treated with medicines that increase urine production (diuretics)

Cardiovascular disease (when treating nocturia in individuals with multiple sclerosis)

Condition where the heart is unable to carry out its normal function (cardiac insufficiency)

High blood pressure

People over 65 years of age (when used to treat nocturnal enuresis or nocturia associated with multiple sclerosis)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

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 to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

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. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Retention of water in the body tissues (fluid retention), resulting in swelling (oedema)

Low blood sodium level (hyponatraemia)

Inflammation of the lining of the nose (rhinitis) causing a blocked or runny nose

Allergy to one or more of the ingredients (hypersensitivity)

Headache

Pain in the stomach and abdominal area

Nasal congestion

Seizures (convulsions)

Nosebleeds (epistaxis)

Nausea and vomiting

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.

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