DDAVP

DDAVPDDAVP (also known as Desmopressin) is an FDA-approved drug used in the treatment of chronic and incidental bed-wetting. The medication mimics a naturally-occurring hormone that increases urine concentration and reduces urine volume. The drug also reduces thirst. DDAVP serves as an alternative to non-drug therapies for bed-wetting. It is also used to treat conditions resulting from head injury or pituitary surgery as well as a condition called chronic autonomic failure – where the body is unable to control the volume of urine produced.

You should talk with your physician before you take any prescription drugs or alter your diet at any time. You should note that the columnist who wrote this article, is not a physician, and this information should not betaken as medical advice.

DDAVP Side Effects
DDAVP is administered via a nose spray. The spray is delivered using a special tube included with the prescription. Before using the spray, it is important that the nasal passages be clear. This can be accomplished by a gentle blowing of the nose. After administering the medication, the tube should be carefully cleaned and stored until the next use. It is important to follow the directions carefully to avoid swallowing any of the spray. The medication should be kept refrigerated but never placed in the freezer. The container should never be used to store other substances and any unused medication should be thrown away. The tube itself should never be shared and should be discarded after the final application.

Side effects of the drug can include upset stomach, headache, stuffy or runny nose, a reddening of the skin, abdominal cramps and pain in the external genital area (in women). Any serious or worsening effects should be reported immediately. A restriction of fluid intake is sometimes required as to avoid edema, or swelling, of the legs, ankles and feet.

Too Much DDAVP

DDAVP can interact with other prescription and non-prescription medications. It is of special importance that your doctor be aware of any pre-existing conditions including heart disease, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, sinus problems, allergies or cystic fibrosis.

The efficacy of DDAVP is measured both by number of nights patients’ sleep is undisturbed by bed-wetting or urge to urinate, as well as a series of lab tests which measure the body’s response to the drug. At initiation of therapy with DDAVP, some dose adjustment is often required. The drug has been shown to be very effective when taken as prescribed.