DESMOPRESSIN

GENERIC NAME(S): Desmopressin

Description: Desmopressin is a man-made form of arginine vasopressin that increases the cellular permeability of the collecting ducts causing an increased water reabsorption, smooth muscle constriction. It also stimulates factor VIII and plasminogen activation activity in blood.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: Absorbed from the nasal mucosa (intranasal), absorbed in sufficient amounts from the GI tract to produce therapeutic effects at high doses (oral).
Metabolism: Largely destroyed in the GI tract.
Excretion: Elimination T_1/2 (biphasic): 8 min (initial phase), 75 min (terminal phase).

Uses

Indications:

Desmopressin is used to control the amount of urine your kidneys make. This medication helps to control increased thirst and too much urination due to these conditions, and helps prevent dehydration.

Primarily, it is used in conditions such as central diabetes insipidus and primary nocturnal enuresis or bed-wetting.

Desmopressin is also used to control bleeding caused by surgery or injuries in people with certain bleeding problems (hemophilia A, type 1 von Willebrand’s disease). It works by helping the body with normal blood clotting.

Contraindications:

Should not be given to patients with hypersensitivity reactions or allergic reactions to the drug. This is also contraindicated in patients with renal impairement and in patients with hyponatremia or low sodium in blood.

How to use desmopressin injection:

This medication is given by injection into a vein or under the skin by a health care professional.
When this medication is used to control increased thirst and too much urination, it is usually given twice a day or as directed by your doctor.
Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.
Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely.

Limit drinking of water and other fluids while using this medication, especially in children and older adults.

Warnings

Hyponatremia: Desmopressin acetate tablet is a potent antidiuretic which, when administered, may lead to water intoxication and/or hyponatremia. Unless properly diagnosed and treated hyponatremia can be fatal. Therefore, fluid restriction is recommended and should be discussed with the patient and/or guardian.

Water intoxication: When tablets are administered, in particular in pediatric and geriatric patients, fluid intake should be adjusted downward to decrease the potential occurrence of water intoxication and hyponatremia. Patients should be observed for the following signs of symptoms associated with hyponatremia: headache, nausea/vomiting, decreased serum sodium, weight gain, restlessness, fatigue, lethargy, disorientation, depressed reflexes, loss of appetite, irritability, muscle weakness, muscle spasms or cramps and abnormal mental status such as hallucinations, decreased consciousness and confusion. Severe symptoms may include one or a combination of the following: seizure, coma and/or respiratory arrest.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

Headache,
nausea,
upset stomach,
flushing of the face, or
redness/pain/swelling

Infrequently, desmopressin may affect your blood pressure. It may cause an increase or decrease in your blood pressure. A temporary drop in your blood pressure may result in dizziness and a fast heartbeat.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Precautions

Precautions:

Allergy: Before using desmopressin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
Medical Conditions: Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: kidney disease, a low level of sodium in the blood (current or past hyponatremia).
Medical History: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you had: high or low blood pressure, heart disease (such as blocked blood vessels in the heart), conditions that may increase your risk of fluid/mineral imbalance (such as cystic fibrosis, heart failure), the urge to drink too much water without being thirsty, history of blood clots.
If you have lost too much body water (become dehydrated), your doctor will correct that condition first before starting treatment with desmopressin.
This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can also interfere with how well desmopressin works.

Pregnancy Risk: Category B. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Breastfeeding: This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions:

Other medications besides desmopressin may also affect the balance of water and sodium in your body. Therefore, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the products you take, including: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen), psychiatric medicines (such as chlorpromazine), drugs to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine), SSRI antidepressants (such as sertraline), tolvaptan, tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline), “water pills” (diuretics such as furosemide).

Overdose & Brands

Overdose:

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: confusion, drowsiness, persistent/severe headache, sudden weight gain.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as urine tests, blood tests, blood pressure, pulse) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store this medication in the refrigerator between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C). Do not freeze. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Brands:

Available Brands

Minirin Melt [ Ferring ]

Also marketed as

Minirin [ Ferring ]