Desmopressin tablets

What is this medicine?

DESMOPRESSIN (des moe PRESS in) is a man made form of the hormone vasopressin. It helps to reduce frequent urination and excessive thirst. This medicine is used to treat central diabetes insipidus and bed wetting. It is also used in patients after a head injury or certain brain surgeries.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 4 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• chest pain, tightness

• change in blood pressure

• fast, irregular heart rate

• flushing, reddening of the skin

• signs and symptoms of low sodium like headache; drowsiness; dizziness; confusion; nausea and vomiting; muscle cramps; restless; or seizures

• sudden weight gain

• swelling of the legs or ankles

• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dry mouth

• headache

• mild nausea

What may interact with this medicine?

• alcohol

• demeclocycline

• medicines for asthma, breathing problems, or colds

• medicines for low blood pressure

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from high heat and bright light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• blood clot in the past

• cystic fibrosis

• heart disease

• high blood pressure

• kidney disease

• low levels of sodium in the blood

• an unusual or allergic reaction to desmopressin, vasopressin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. You may need to get some lab tests done while taking this medicine.

Talk with your doctor about how many glasses of water or other fluids you need to drink a day. Only drink enough fluid to satisfy your thirst or as directed. Too much or not enough water can cause harm.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get sick and have a stomach or intestinal virus with vomiting or diarrhea or if you have an infection or fever.