How does it work?

Desmopressin is a medicine similar to antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or vasopressin, which is a naturally occuring hormone present in the body. ADH has two main effects in the body. Firstly, it acts on particular receptors in the kidneys to retain water in the body, by preventing excessive loss of water in the urine. Secondly, ADH causes narrowing of blood vessels (vasoconstriction), thereby limiting blood flow to a particular area of the body. In diabetes insipidus, there is a reduction in the function of ADH resulting in an increase in water lost from the body through urine. This results in the production of large amounts of dilute urine. Desmopressin is used in the treatment of this disorder as it acts on the ADH receptors in the kidneys, mimics the effect of ADH and prevents dehydration caused by excessive loss of water. Due to its action in reducing the production of large amounts of urine, desmopressin is also useful in treating bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis) and the passage of urine at night (nocturia). Desmopressin increases substances in the blood that are responsible for clotting the blood (blood clotting factors). It is therefore used also to prevent bleeding in blood clotting disorders such as haemophillia.

What is it used for?

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

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

Headaches that are caused as a result of the removal of fluid from the spine (lumbar puncture)

To increase substances in the body that cause blood to clot (clotting factors) in individuals with inherited blood clotting disorders such as haemophillia, undergoing surgery or have suffered injury

To test whether the body is able to dissolve blood clots in the (fibrinolysis)

Warning!

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

Water and fluid intake should be minimised as much as possible.

In individuals with the following conditions: high blood pressure, heart disease, inability of the heart to carry out its normal function (cardiac insufficiency) and fluid retention  treatment of lumbar puncture headaches, renal function and fibrinolysis testing should not be carried out with this medicine.

In individuals with unstable angina, that is angina not well controlled by medical treatment, and von Willerbrand's disease, which is an inherited disorder of the blood that causes spontaneous bleeding this medicine should not be used for the improvement of blood clotting.

Use with caution in

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)

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. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk in small amounts. Seek medical advice from your doctor before breastfeeding.

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.

Headache

Abdominal pain

Increased blood flow to the skin on the face (facial flushing)

Nausea

Seizures (convulsions)

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

Low blood sodium level (hyponatraemia)

Increased heart rate (tachycardia)

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.

Go To Next Page>>
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 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved