Why is DDAVP prescribed?

DDAVP nasal spray, nose drops, and tablets are given to prevent or control the frequent urination and loss of water associated with diabetes insipidus (a rare condition characterized by very large quantities of diluted urine and excessive thirst). They are also used to treat frequent passage of urine and increased thirst in people with certain brain injuries, and those who have undergone surgery in the pituitary region of the brain. DDAVP nasal spray and nose drops are also prescribed to help stop some types of bedwetting.

Stimate nasal spray is used to stop bleeding in certain types of hemophilia (failure of the blood to clot).

Special warnings about DDAVP

If you have cystic fibrosis or any other condition in which there is fluid and electrolyte imbalance, you should use DDAVP with extreme caution.

Because DDAVP may cause a rise in blood pressure, use this medication cautiously if you have high blood pressure and/or coronary artery disease. Your blood pressure could also fall temporarily. If you continue to experience bleeding after using Stimate (Desmopressin) nasal spray, contact your doctor.

Most important fact about DDAVP

When taking DDAVP, elderly and young people in particular should limit their fluid intake to no more than what satisfies thirst. Although extremely rare, there is a possibility of water intoxication, in which reduced sodium levels in the blood can lead to seizures.

What side effects may occur?

Too high a dosage of DDAVP nasal spray or drops may produce headache, irritation of the nose, stuffy nose, mild abdominal cramps, nausea, or flushing. These symptoms will probably disappear when the dosage is reduced. Some people have complained of nosebleed, cough, sore throat, or a cold or other upper respiratory infections after taking DDAVP nasal spray or drops.

• Other potential side effects include:
  Abdominal pain, swelling around the eyes, stomach or intestinal upset, rash, nostril pain, leg rash, inability to produce tears, dizziness, depression, conjunctivitis (pinkeye), chills, weakness

• Side effects of Stimate (Desmopressin) nasal spray may include:
  Agitation, vomiting, sleepiness, rapid heartbeat, pounding heartbeat, pain, itchy or light-sensitive eyes, insomnia, inflammation of the penis, indigestion, fluid retention and swelling, dizziness, chills, chest pain, warm feeling

How should you take DDAVP?

Use DDAVP exactly as prescribed. The spray and drops are for nasal use only; never swallow the medication or allow the liquid to run into your mouth.

Your doctor may increase or decrease your dosage, depending on how you respond to DDAVP. Your response will be judged by how long you are able to sleep without having to get up to urinate and how much urine your kidneys produce.

The DDAVP nasal spray pump bottle accurately delivers 50 doses of the medication. After the 50th dose, the amount of medication that comes out with each spray will no longer be a full dose. When this happens, throw the bottle away even if it is not completely empty.

Stimate (Desmopressin) nasal spray delivers 25 doses; the same instructions apply. The Stimate (DDAVP) nasal spray pump must be primed before you use it for the first time: Press down 4 times.

Since the DDAVP spray bottle delivers only a standard-sized dose, those who need more or less medication should use the nose drops instead of the spray.