Desmopressin

Overview

Drinking too much while taking it can cause dangerously low sodium.

What it's used for

• Bedwetting in children
• Central diabetes insipidus
• Waking up at night to pee
• Mild hemophilia A and von Willebrand disease

How to take it

• For bedwetting, limit fluids from 1 hour before to 8 hours after the dose.
• Follow fluid limits exactly.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

• Headache
• Nausea
• Stuffy nose (spray)

Warnings

• Boxed warning (some forms): severe low sodium.
• Sodium may be checked.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

• NSAIDs, some antidepressants, and carbamazepine add to low sodium risk.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Talk with your provider.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

• Bedwetting
• Bleeding disorder (hemophilia or von Willebrand disease)