Desmopressin

Desmopressin is used to treat bed-wetting at night, central diabetes insipidus, and increased thirst and urination that can happen after head surgery or head trauma.

Desmopressin is a synthetic version of a hormone that is naturally produced in the pituitary gland and helps control how the body uses water.

Desmopressin may also be used for other reasons that are not mentioned in this medication guide.

Your doctor may conduct blood tests to ensure you do not have any conditions that would make it unsafe for you to use desmopressin.

Follow all instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Limit how much water and other fluids you drink while using desmopressin. Drinking too much water can cause a serious, life-threatening electrolyte imbalance.

Fluid restriction is especially important for children and older adults using desmopressin. Follow your doctor’s instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink.

If you switched from desmopressin nasal spray to desmopressin tablets, wait at least 12 hours after your last nasal dose before taking your first tablet.

Take the sublingual tablet 1 hour before bedtime. Place the tablet under your tongue and let it dissolve. Empty your bladder before going to bed.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked regularly, and you may need frequent blood tests.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture, light, and heat.

Store Nocdurna tablets in their original foil blister pack. Only remove a tablet when you are ready to take it.

You should not use desmopressin if you have severe kidney disease or hyponatremia (low sodium levels in your body). You also should not take Nocdurna if you have severe thirst, uncontrolled hypertension, heart failure, high levels of a hormone that causes fluid retention, or if you take a diuretic or use steroid medication.

Limit your intake of water and other fluids while you are using desmopressin. Drinking too much water may lead to a serious, life-threatening electrolyte imbalance.

Call your doctor right away if you have signs of low sodium: headache, confusion, muscle cramps, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, and feeling restless or unsteady.

You should not use desmopressin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• severe kidney disease; or
• hyponatremia (low sodium levels in your body).

You also should not take Nocdurna sublingual desmopressin if you have:

• a disease or psychological disorder that causes extreme or unusual thirst;
• syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH, high levels of a hormone that causes fluid retention);
• severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure;
• heart failure; or
• if you take a diuretic ("water pill") or use a steroid medicine (oral, nasal, inhaled, or injectable).

Desmopressin is not approved to treat bed-wetting in a child younger than 6 years old. Nocdurna is not approved for use in anyone younger than 18 years old.

Do not give desmopressin to a child for any reason without medical advice.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• an electrolyte imbalance;
• unusual thirst;
• fluid retention;
• congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease;
• high blood pressure;
• urination problems;
• kidney disease; or
• cystic fibrosis.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Desmopressin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• low levels of sodium in the body--headache, confusion, hallucinations, muscle cramps, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling restless or unsteady;
• flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
• swelling, weight gain;
• a seizure;
• weak or shallow breathing; or
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.

Serious side effects may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects of desmopressin may include:

• headache;
• dizziness;
• dry mouth;
• nausea; or
• mild stomach pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take the medicine as soon as you remember, but skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at once.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include headache, confusion, drowsiness, rapid weight gain, or urination problems.

While treating nighttime bed-wetting, do not drink anything within 1 hour before your bedtime dose of desmopressin. Do not drink anything until the next morning, or at least 8 hours after you have taken the medicine.

Avoid coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks, or other sources of caffeine before bedtime.

Also, do not drink alcohol before bedtime.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are currently taking. Many drugs can affect desmopressin, especially:

• an antidepressant;
• opioid pain medication;
• seizure medication;
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) -- aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

This list is not complete, and many other drugs may affect desmopressin. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.