desmopressin

How long it takes for desmopressin (DDAVP) to work depends on which form of the medication you're using. Oral tablets work in about 1 hour, while tablets placed under the tongue (sublingual tablets) work in about 30 minutes to lessen urination. The IV medication works in about 30 minutes to raise factor VIII levels, an important protein needed to form blood clots.

Desmopressin (DDAVP) isn't known to cause kidney problems. But you might not be able to take this medication if you already have kidney problems because you're at higher risk for low blood sodium levels, a very serious side effect. If you have mild kidney problems, your provider might prescribe desmopressin (DDAVP) if you and your provider think the benefits are greater than the risk of harm. In this case, your provider will likely monitor your kidney health through blood work regularly while you're taking this medication. Let your provider know right away if you notice symptoms of low blood sodium levels, such as nausea, dizziness, and muscle cramps.

Yes, desmopressin (DDAVP) can cause hyponatremia (low sodium levels) as a side effect. Desmopressin (DDAVP) works by telling your body to hold on to more fluid. This dilutes (make weaker) the sodium in your body and causes your sodium levels to drop. Low blood sodium levels can be dangerous because severe cases can lead to seizures and coma. To prevent this from happening, make sure to limit how much fluid you're drinking 1 hour before until 8 hours after taking a dose of desmopressin (DDAVP). Let your provider know if you experience early symptoms of hyponatremia, such as dizziness, confusion, nausea, or muscle spasms.

Talk with your provider if you're not sure how long you should take desmopressin (DDAVP). Studies that looked at long-term (about 1 year) use of desmopressin (DDAVP) showed that this medication works well and is generally well-tolerated by people who took it for nocturia (frequent nighttime urination). But at the same time, taking desmopressin (DDAVP) long-term can raise your risk for low blood sodium levels, a potentially serious side effect. If you and your provider decide that you need to take desmopressin (DDAVP) for a longer period of time, they'll likely check your labs often to make sure your sodium levels are within a safe range.

If your child is taking desmopressin (DDAVP) for bedwetting, they should take their dose at bedtime. They're recommended to stop drinking fluids 1 hour before taking desmopressin (DDAVP) until the next morning, or at least for 8 hours after the dose. Limiting fluid while taking this medication is important in preventing low sodium levels, a serious side effect that can lead to symptoms such as dizziness and muscle spasms. Talk with your child's provider if you've more questions about how they should take desmopressin (DDAVP).

Desmopressin (DDAVP) can be taken by mouth as an oral tablet, sublingual (under the tongue) tablet that dissolves, or as an injection into the veins or fat under the skin. Your provider will help you decide the best dosage form for you.

No, desmopressin (DDAVP) isn't an anticholinergic medication. Desmopressin (DDAVP) is a manmade version of vasopressin (also known as anti-diuretic hormone), a natural hormone produced by our bodies. But similar to some anticholinergic medications, desmopressin (DDAVP) is prescribed to treat conditions related to frequent urination. But desmopressin (DDAVP) and these anticholinergic medications, such as oxybutynin (Ditropan) and tolterodine (Detrol), work in different ways and don't treat the exact same conditions.