Medication Information about Desmopressin Acetate

Desmopressin Acetate

Desmopressin acetate (DDAVP) is a medication that can come in three different forms, nose drops, a nasal spray, and tablets. This medication is prescribed for multiple reasons. The common reason DDAVP is prescribed is to treat or prevent loss of water due to frequent urination and increased thirst in certain people. It can sometimes be prescribed to treat certain blood clotting disorders.

How to Take This Medication?

If you are prescribed the nasal spray or nasal drops it is very important you use this medication accurately and never allow the liquid in your mouth. The dosage is adjusted to how long you are able to sleep before having to wake up and urinate.

This medication can be difficult to absorb if there is severe nasal congestion. Nasal scaring or nasal swelling can also make it difficult to absorb this medication. If this occurs, the DDAVP tablets will often be prescribed instead of the nasal form.

What are the Side Effects?

There are many side effects of this medication that can occur. High doses of this medication are known to cause headache, abdominal cramps, and nausea. Nose irritation, stuffy nose, and nasal flushing are also common symptoms of this medication. Other common symptoms of desmopressin acetate are nosebleeds, cough, and sore throat. You can also develop upper respiratory tract infections. These symptoms usually stop after taking the medication for a while.

Rare side effects of this medication include chills, pinkeye, and dizziness. Depression and lack of tear production can also occur. The legs can develop a rash, nasal pain, and intestinal upset can occur as well. The eyes can become swollen and weakness can occur.

What are the Medication Warnings?

People that suffer from cystic fibrosis need to be especially careful when taking this medication. Patients with electrolyte imbalances need to have the same precautions. This medication can cause blood pressure to become elevated.

If you are pregnant of breast feeding it is important to tell your doctor. It does not appear to cause birth defects or transmit to breast milk; however some precautions must still be taken.

What are the Interactions?

There are no foods that have shown to interact with this medication. However, certain medications may have an interaction. Using this medication with other drugs used to increase blood pressure is not advised. If you are taking Colfibrate, Glyburide, and Epinephrine should use caution when taking DDAVP.

References:

“Desmopressin Acetate” Drugs.com

“DDAVP” RXList.com