DDAVP

Desmopressin tablet What kind of medication is this? DESMOPRESSIN is a synthetic version of a hormone that is produced in the human pituitary gland in its natural state. This hormone plays a key role in a variety of bodily processes, including the regulation of blood flow and blood pressure, kidney function, and how the body utilizes water. Desmopressin is used to treat nocturnal enuresis, central cranial diabetes insipidus, excessive thirst and urination due to head surgery or head trauma, and incontinence of the bladder. In addition to the uses that are described in this pharmaceutical guide, desmopressin may also be utilized for a variety of additional applications. Before I start using this medication, what information is important for my physician to have? You should not use this drug if you have ever been diagnosed with hyponatremia, if you have serious renal illness, or if you have an allergy to the ingredient desmopressin (low sodium levels in your body). Before beginning treatment with desmopressin, it is important to discuss with your physician any medical conditions you have, including but not limited to: 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 results in excessive or unusual thirst. If you have any of these illnesses, your doctor may need to change your dosage or do further tests to ensure that you are taking desmopressin safely. FDA pregnancy category B. It is not anticipated that this drug will cause any damage to an unborn child. If you are pregnant, you should not use desmopressin without first seeing your physician. It is unknown whether desmopressin enters breast milk or whether it might cause damage to a baby who is being fed by a nursing mother. If you are breastfeeding a child, you should not take desmopressin without first seeing your physician. What is the correct way to take this medication? Always be sure to take your medication in the manner recommended by your healthcare provider. Do not consume it in greater quantities or for a longer period of time than is suggested. Be sure to take your medication exactly as directed on the label. At the time that you are taking desmopressin, it is essential that you minimize the amount of water and other fluids that you consume. Consuming an excessive amount of water can promote salt loss in the body, which can result in an electrolyte imbalance that can be severe and even potentially fatal. When using desmopressin, it is especially recommended for young and elderly patients to limit their fluid intake. Listen to your physician's advice on the kinds of drinks and the amounts of liquids you should consume. If you are planning to move from desmopressin nasal spray to desmopressin tablets, you should wait at least 24 hours following your last dosage of the nasal spray before taking your first pill. Your blood will need to be checked often in order to determine whether or not this drug is actually benefiting your problem. Your physician can use this information to better gauge how long you should continue to take desmopressin. Be sure that you do not miss any of your booked appointments. Keep the pills in an airtight container at room temperature and out of direct sunlight and moisture. What should I do if I forget a dose? If you forget to take a dosage, you should take it as soon as you remember it. Take only that dose if it is getting close to the time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take duplicate or additional dosages. What other substances could react with this medication? Desmopressin can have an effect on a wide variety of other medications. The list that follows is only a sample. Notify your physician if you are currently taking any of the following medications: carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol); chlorpromazine (Thorazine); lamotrigine (Lamictal); oxybutynin (Ditropan, Urotrol, Oxytrol); vasopressin (Pitressin); a narcotic pain medicine such as fentanyl (Actiq, Duragesic); hydrocodone (L This list is not exhaustive, and it is possible that desmopressin may interact with additional medications besides those on this list. Talk to your primary care physician about any and all medications you use, including those purchased over the counter and those recommended to you by other physicians, as well as vitamins, minerals, and herbal items. Do not begin taking a new medicine before consulting with your primary care physician. What side effects should I be on the lookout for while I'm taking this medication? When you are taking desmopressin, it is important that you follow your physician's directions regarding any dietary, beverage, or activity limitations. What potential negative reactions may I have from using this medication? If you have any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, you should seek immediate medical attention: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or neck. If you experience any of the following serious side effects while taking desmopressin, you should immediately stop taking the medication and contact your doctor: nauseousness, vomiting, weakness, loss of appetite, headache, feeling restless or irritable, confusion, hallucinations, muscle pain or weakness, and/or seizure; feeling like you might pass out; swelling; weight gain; or dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure). A headache, nausea, or minor stomach discomfort; diarrhea; or a sense of warmth, redness, or tingling in your face may be among the less significant side effects that you experience.