Sometimes it feels like a dream to get a good night's sleep, right? One of the main reasons for this is having to get up frequently to urinate at night. This annoying condition makes you feel tired all day long and unable to do anything properly. This condition is called 'nocturnal polyuria' in medical terms. Simply put, the body produces more urine than necessary during the night. So, your doctor may have prescribed you a medicine called Desmopressin for this problem. Today, we will talk about this medicine, what it does, and what you need to be careful about while using it.
What kind of medicine is Desmopressin?
Okay, let's first look at what this drug actually does. Desmopressin is a synthetic drug that acts like a natural hormone in our bodies. Its main function is to affect our kidneys and control the amount of urine we produce at night.
Think of it this way. Normally, a healthy person's body reduces the amount of urine produced at night, so we can sleep through the night. But that doesn't happen to someone with nocturnal polyuria. It's like leaving a water tap open for a while, and the kidneys continue to make urine. So this desmopressin drug works like turning off that water tap for a while. That is, it signals the kidneys to reduce the amount of urine produced at night. Then you get up to urinate at night significantly less often, and you also get a good night's sleep.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
This is very important. Before starting any medication, your doctor should have a complete picture of your health. Only then can you determine whether the medication is safe for you. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below, especially before starting desmopressin.
| Health conditions you should report | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| If the sodium (salt) level in the blood is low | Desmopressin can further lower blood sodium levels. This can be dangerous, so your doctor should be aware of this. |
| If you have kidney disease | Because this medicine works through the kidneys, the effects of the medicine may change if the kidneys are not functioning properly. |
| If you have heart failure | This medicine can affect the functioning of the heart because it changes the amount of fluid in the body. |
| Excessive thirst, a constant need to drink water | This condition may be a symptom of another disease. Also, you should be careful about the amount of water you drink while taking this medicine. |
| Cystic fibrosis | The doctor should be aware that the body's salt and fluid balance changes with this condition. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | In these cases, special care must be taken regarding the effects of the medication, so a doctor's advice is essential. |
| If you have allergies to other medicines, foods, or substances | You may be allergic to desmopressin or any of its ingredients, so it is important to let us know in advance. |
Remember, it is very important for your own safety to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins and traditional medicines).
How exactly do I use this pill?
Desmopressin is not a pill that you swallow with water like a regular pill. It is a type that dissolves under the tongue. It is called a ``sublingual tablet''. So, follow these steps exactly when using it.
1. Take it on time: Take your medicine at the same time every day, exactly as your doctor tells you. This is usually prescribed about an hour before you go to bed at night.
2. Do not take with water: This is the most important thing. Do not take this pill with water.
3. Take the pill with dry hands: Make sure your hands are completely dry before taking the pill. Take the pill out of the pill pack. If the pill is broken or crushed, do not use it and get a new one.
4. Place under the tongue: Take the tablet and place it directly under the tongue.
5. Let it dissolve: Do not chew, crush, or swallow the tablet. It will dissolve completely under the tongue.
6. Swallow after dissolving: Swallow the tablet after it has completely dissolved.
You will receive a special instruction leaflet ``MedGuide`` with this medicine. Read it carefully each time. Also, continue to use the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. This medicine is for your own use only. Never share it with others.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Some medications can cause problems when taken with desmopressin, so it is important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
| Type of medicine | Examples |
|---|---|
| Avoid taking desmopressin with this medicine. | |
| Loop diuretics - (medicines that remove water and salt from the body) | Furosemide |
| Steroid-type medications | Prednisolone `(prednisone)`, cortisone `(cortisone)` |
| Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking this medication. | |
| Some medications for depression | Amitriptyline, fluoxetine |
| Some medications given for seizures | Carbamazepine, lamotrigine |
| NSAIDS (medicines for pain and inflammation) | Ibuprofen, naproxen |
| Opioids are strong painkillers. | Ex: Tramadol |
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about every medicine, vitamin, or herb you take.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
It's important to pay some attention to your body when taking desmopressin.
- See your doctor regularly: After starting the medication, be sure to go to your doctor's appointments. That way, he or she can check how the medication is affecting you.
- Watch your blood sodium levels: The main thing that can happen with this medicine is that the sodium (salt) levels in your blood can drop. This is called hyponatremia. This risk is especially high if you drink a lot of water, take other sodium-lowering medications, or have conditions like vomiting or diarrhea.
- Follow instructions on how much water to drink: Your doctor will advise you on how much water to drink per day while taking this medication. You may be asked to avoid drinking too much water, especially at night after taking the medication. Follow those instructions exactly.
Are there any side effects?
Like any medicine, desmopressin can cause side effects in some people, but not everyone gets them.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergy symptoms | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of low sodium levels | Sudden headache, confusion, memory loss, lethargy, confusion, vomiting. |
| Symptoms of fluid retention in the body | Swelling of ankles, hands, or feet, difficulty breathing. |
| Side effects that are usually not dangerous, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Spinning | Change positions frequently. When getting up from a sitting position, don't stand up all at once. |
| Dry mouth | Chewing sugar-free gum or drinking some water after consulting your doctor may help. |
| Headache | Rest. You can ask the doctor for a painkiller. |
How to store medicine safely?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Keep away from excessive heat and moisture.
- It is best to keep the medicine in the original package it was given in.
- Do not use expired medication. Ask your doctor what to do with leftover or expired medication.
Take-Home Message
- Desmopressin is a medication that controls excessive urination at night. It is a tablet that dissolves under the tongue, not swallowed with water.
- Before starting this medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all medications you are taking.
- While taking the medication, the sodium level in the blood may decrease. If you experience symptoms such as headache, confusion, or weakness, inform your doctor immediately.
- Take the prescribed dose exactly as your doctor tells you, at the prescribed time. Never increase the dose or share the medicine with others.
- If you have any questions about this medicine, ask your doctor.
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