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Desmopressin |
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What is Desmopressin and why is it prescribed? Desmopressin nasal spray, nose drops, and tablets are given to prevent or control the frequent urination and loss of water associated with diabetes insipidus. They are also used to treat frequent passage of urine and increased thirst in people with certain brain injuries, and those who have undergone surgery in the pituitary region of the brain. Desmopressin nasal spray and nose drops are also prescribed to help stop some types of bedwetting. When taking Desmopressin, elderly and young people in particular should limit their fluid intake to no more than what satisfies thirst. Although extremely rare, there is a possibility of water intoxication, in which reduced sodium levels in the blood can lead to seizures. How should you take Desmopressin? Follow your doctors directions for taking Desmopressin. The spray and drops are for nasal use only; never swallow the medication or allow the liquid to run into your mouth. Your doctor may increase or decrease your dosage, depending on how you respond to Desmopressin. Your response will be judged by how long you are able to sleep without having to get up to urinate and how much urine your kidneys produce. The Desmopressin nasal spray pump bottle accurately delivers 50 doses of the medication. After the 50th dose, the amount of medication that comes out with each spray will no longer be a full dose. When this happens, throw the bottle away even if it is not completely empty. Since the Desmopressin spray bottle delivers only a standard-sized dose, those who need more or less medication should use the nose drops instead of the spray. If nasal congestion, scars, or swelling inside the nose make it difficult to absorb Desmopressin, your doctor may temporarily stop the drug or give you tablets or an injectable form. If you are switched to tablets, you should start taking them 12 hours after you last used the nasal spray or nose drops. If you miss a dose take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If you take 1 dose a day and don't remember until the next day, skip the dose. If you take Desmopressin more than once a day and it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never try to "catch up" by doubling the dose. The drops should be stored in the refrigerator. If you are traveling, they will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 weeks. The tablets and nasal spray can be kept at room temperature. Protect the tablets from heat and light. Are there any Desmopressin side effects? Desmopressin side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Too high a dosage of Desmopressin nasal spray or drops may produce headache, nausea, mild abdominal cramps, stuffy nose, irritation of the nose, or flushing. These symptoms will probably disappear when the dosage is reduced. Some people have complained of nosebleed, sore throat, cough, or a cold or other upper respiratory infections after taking Desmopressin nasal spray or drops. Other potential Desmopressin side effects include abdominal pain, chills, conjunctivitis, depression, dizziness, inability to produce tears, leg rash, nostril pain, rash, stomach or intestinal upset, swelling around the eyes, and weakness. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Desmopressin? If Desmopressin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Desmopressin with Any drug used to increase blood pressure, Clofibrate (Atromid-S), Glyburide (Micronase), or Epinephrine (EpiPen). Are there any special warnings about Desmopressin? If you have cystic fibrosis or any other condition in which there is fluid and electrolyte imbalance, you should use Desmopressin with extreme caution. Because Desmopressin may cause a rise in blood pressure, use this medication cautiously if you have high blood pressure and/or coronary artery disease. Your blood pressure could also fall temporarily. |
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