Sometimes doctors prescribe very specific medications for our illnesses, right? Today we are going to talk about one such special medication. This is a nasal spray. But this is not just any spray. This is a synthetic version of a hormone that is present in our body. So let's see everything about this medication called Desmopressin.
Simply put, what is Desmopressin?
Desmopressin is a synthetic copy of a hormone that is naturally produced in our bodies. Its main function is to control the amount of water in the body and control the amount of urine produced. It also helps control thirst.
Doctors use this medicine mainly for several medical conditions.
- Central Diabetes Insipidus: Although it has a name similar to Diabetes Mellitus, it is not related to it. This is characterized by excessive urination and excessive thirst. So this medicine is given to control it.
- After head injuries or surgeries: Sometimes, after a head injury or brain surgery, you may lose urinary control. This is also used in such cases.
- To control bleeding: This medicine is given to people with certain blood clotting disorders, such as hemophilia A and von Willebrand's disease, to stop or prevent bleeding.
- Nocturia: This is a condition in which adults wake up at night to urinate frequently. This medicine is also used to control this.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
This is very important. For your safety, it is important to discuss these things with your doctor before starting this medication. If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell them.
- If you have had blood clots in the body before
- If you have a stuffy nose, a sore or swelling in your nose,
- If you have cystic fibrosis
- If you have heart disease or high blood pressure
- If you have kidney disease
- If you have been told that your blood sodium level is low
- If you are using loop diuretic or steroid medications
- If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother
- If you have an allergy to desmopressin, vasopressin, or any other medicine, food, or dye.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
This is a nasal spray. Use it exactly as your doctor tells you to, according to the instructions on the medicine label. Take it at the right time, in the right dose. Never use more than your doctor tells you to.
Do not use any other nasal spray or drops while using this spray. If in doubt, ask your doctor.
Important: If you miss a dose, take it only when it is almost time for your next dose. Never take two doses at once.
What if the medicine is used too much?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not delay. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
It is very important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking, as some medications may interact with desmopressin. Check out this table, and you will be able to understand it easily.
| Drug type | Description |
|---|---|
| Do not take this medicine with any other medicine. | |
| Loop diuretics | Medicines that remove water from the body (increase urination). |
| Steroids | Examples: Medications like Prednisolone and Cortisone. |
| If you are taking this medication, be sure to tell your doctor. | |
| Medications for mental illness | Some medications used to treat conditions such as depression and anxiety. |
| Medicines for epilepsy (fits) | Examples: Carbamazepine, Lamotrigine. |
| Strong painkillers (narcotics) | Some medications for severe pain. |
| NSAIDS type painkillers | Medicines such as ibuprofen and naproxen for swelling and pain. |
Things to consider when taking medication
- Amount of water consumed: This is very important.
- Other illnesses: If you develop stomach upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or other infection, stop using this medicine and call your doctor immediately for advice.
- Tests: While taking this medicine, your doctor may ask you to have things like blood tests. Don't skip them.
- DDAVP® Nasal Spray: Store upright at room temperature (between 20-25 Celsius).
- Stimate® Nasal Spray: Store in the refrigerator (between 4-8 degrees Celsius). However, if you are traveling, you can store it at room temperature (22 degrees Celsius) for up to 3 weeks.
- Noctiva® Nasal Spray: Store upright in the refrigerator (0-15 Celsius) before opening. Once opened, store upright at room temperature (20-25 Celsius). Discard after 60 days of opening.
- Desmopressin is a special medication that should only be used on the advice of a doctor.
- Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all medical conditions you have and all other medications you are taking.
- Follow your doctor's instructions about how much water to drink. Don't drink too much or too little.
- Be aware of the symptoms of serious side effects (especially symptoms of low sodium levels). If you experience any of these, seek medical advice immediately.
- Store your medication correctly according to its brand name.
Talk to your doctor about how much water you should drink each day. Don't drink more or less than the recommended amount. Changes in the amount of water in your body can cause serious health problems.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately . | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Feeling of tightness and pain in the chest. |
| Changes in heart rate | Increased heart rate, irregular heartbeat, and changes in blood pressure. |
| Symptoms of low sodium | Severe headache, drowsiness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, muscle twitching, restlessness, fits. |
| Sudden increase in body weight | Swelling of the legs or ankles. |
| Other serious symptoms | Unusual bleeding, bruising, extreme fatigue. |
| If these symptoms persist or are bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| General characteristics | Headache, nasal discomfort, nosebleeds, stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, red skin. |
How do you keep this medicine safe?
There are different brand names for this medication. Each brand has a different storage method. So check the name on your medication bottle and follow the instructions.
Keep all of these types out of the reach of children . Do not use if the expiration date has passed.
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