What is DDAVP?

DDAVP or Desmopressin is used to control the amount of urine your kidneys make. Normally, the amount of urine you make is controlled by a certain substance in the body called vasopressin. In people who have "water diabetes" (diabetes insipidus) or certain kinds of head injury or brain surgery, the body does not make enough vasopressin. Desmopressin is a man-made form of vasopressin and is used to replace a low level of vasopressin. This medication helps to control increased thirst and too much urination due to these conditions, and helps prevent dehydration. Desmopressin is also used to control nighttime bedwetting in children. It reduces how often your child urinates and decreases the number of bedwetting episodes.

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• For the treatment of diabetes insipidus, take this medication by mouth, usually 2 to 3 times a day or as directed by your doctor.
• For the treatment of bedwetting, take this medication by mouth, usually once a day at bedtime. Children should limit the fluids they drink after dinner, especially 1 hour before the desmopressin dose until the next morning, or at least 8 hours after the dose. If your child wakes up during the night, limit the amount that he or she drinks.
• All patients taking desmopressin, especially children and older adults, must limit drinking of water and other fluids.
• Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not take more desmopressin or take it more often than prescribed.
• Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• Your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, high 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, a low level of sodium in the blood (hyponatremia), bleeding/clotting problems.
• If you develop any illness that can cause water/mineral imbalance (including fever, diarrhea, vomiting, infections such as the flu) or if you experience conditions that require drinking more fluids (for example, exposure to very hot weather, strenuous exercise, persistent sweating). The doctor may need to stop or adjust desmopressin treatment, especially in children and older adults.

Also be aware that:

• If you have lost too much body water (become dehydrated), your doctor will correct that condition first before starting treatment with desmopressin.
• You should limit alcohol because it can interfere with how well desmopressin works.
• Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially water/mineral imbalance and a low level of sodium in the blood.
• Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, older adults may be at greater risk for water/mineral imbalance and a low level of sodium in the blood while using this drug.
• During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Common side-effects may include but are not limited to:

• Headache, nausea, upset stomach, or flushing of the face may occur.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side-effects:

• Any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Q: What happens if I miss a dose?

A: Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Q: What should I avoid while using DDAVP nasal?

A: To help prevent night-time urination, avoid drinking a lot of liquid close to bedtime.