desmopressin (nasal) Health Article

Generic name(s):

desmopressin (nasal)

Brand name(s):

desmopressin, DDAVP Nasal, DDAVP Rhinal Tube, Stimate

What is the most important information I should know about desmopressin nasal?

It is very important to reduce your intake of water and other fluids while you are using desmopressin. Drinking too much water can cause your body to lose sodium, which may lead to a serious, life-threatening electrolyte imbalance.

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

You should not use this medication if you have severe kidney disease or if you have ever had hyponatremia (low sodium levels in your body).

Before using desmopressin nasal, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, high or low blood pressure, an electrolyte imbalance, or a psychological disorder that causes extreme or unusual thirst.

Desmopressin nasal may be less effective if you have any swelling or scarring inside your nose, or any nasal or sinus problems (such as deviated septum).

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

To be sure desmopressin nasal is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested often. This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with this medication. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

What is desmopressin nasal?

Desmopressin is a man-made form of a hormone that occurs naturally in the pituitary gland. This hormone is important for many functions including blood flow, blood pressure, kidney function, and regulating how the body uses water.

Desmopressin nasal is used to treat central cranial diabetes insipidus, and increased thirst and urination caused by head surgery or head trauma.

Desmopressin nasal is also used to treat hemophilia A or von Willebrand's disease Type I.

Desmopressin nasal may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using desmopressin nasal?

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

• severe kidney disease; or

• if you have ever had hyponatremia (low sodium levels in your body).

Before using desmopressin nasal, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medications, or if you have:

• heart disease, coronary artery disease;

• congestive heart failure;

• kidney disease;

• cystic fibrosis;

• high or low blood pressure;

• an electrolyte imbalance; or

• a psychologic disorder that causes extreme or unusual thirst.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use desmopressin.

Desmopressin nasal may be less effective if you have any swelling or scarring inside your nose, or any nasal or sinus problems (such as deviated septum).

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Do not use desmopressin nasal without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether desmopressin nasal passes into breast milk, or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use desmopressin nasal without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.