 |
VASOPRESSIN
(Minurin / Desmopressin®)
IAS Notes; We advise using vasopressin on a need to only basis, i.e. when
maximum concentration, retention and alertness is required. Dosages are
described here are for mild diabetes, although we have also seen similar for the
treatment of amnesia. Refrigeration is NOT required. Note that this more potent
synthetic form of Vasopressin (Desmopressin) now replaces the earlier animal
sourced Vasopressin's (Lypressin and Pitressin).2
to orderChemicals; Desmopressin acetate 0.1mg, Citric
acid monohydrate 1.7mg, Disodium phosphate dihydrate 3mg, Sodium chloride 7.5mg,
Benzalkonium chloride solution 50% 0.2mg, Purified water to 1ml. Ingredients;
5ml (1 puff from the nasal spray equals 10mcg Desmopressin) Before using your
medicine; If the answer to any of the following questions is yes and the doctor
does not know about it, contact the doctor before using this medicine. If the
patient is
(A) Suffering from a serious heart, liver or kidney disease?
(B)
Suffering from difficulty in passing water?
(C) Suffering from cystic fibrosis?
(D) Under 5 years of age or over 65?
(E) Pregnant, trying to get pregnant or
breast-feeding?
(F) Drinking large amounts during the day or night?
(G) Taking
medication for high blood pressure or has been told that their blood pressure is
abnormal?
(H) Taking any other medicines that the doctor does not know about,
including over the counter medicines?
(I) Allergic to any of the ingredients
listed?
(J) On medication for depression or epilepsy?
(K) Consuming alcohol each
day?
Precautions and Warnings; All patients being treated with Desmopressin
should 1. Avoid swallowing water while swimming to prevent a build-up of water
in the body 2. Avoid excessive fluid intake as this may lead to a build-up of
water in the body. Patients being treated for primary nocturnal enuresis
(bedwetting) or multiple sclerosis patients being treated for nocturia with
Desmopressin should also; Stop using Desmospressin if suffering from vomiting
and/ or diarrhea until better. Using your medicine; It is important that not
than the prescribed dose is used in any 24-hour period.
BEDWETTING; From the age
of 5-years, the usual starting dose is one spray into each nostril at bedtime.
Your doctor may change the dose according to how well the bedwetting is
controlled. Do NOT drink until the morning. The need for continued treatment is
normally checked every three months.
DIABETES INSIPIDUS; Important; This should
not be confused with diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes). Most common dosing in
adults and children is one or two sprays into the nostril, once or twice daily.
FREQUENT PASSING OF URINE AT NIGHT, normally caused by multiple sclerosis; One
or two sprays at bedtime. Do NOT drink until the morning. The doctor will check
the blood pressure and weight of the patient at regular intervals.
ACCIDENTAL OVERDOSE: Contact the doctor or nearest hospital casualty
department at once. Side effects are unlikely unless overdosing is repeated. If
Desmopressin does not seem to be working contact the doctor.
Side Effects: Most people using Desmopressin find it causes them no
problems. Occasionally some people suffer from headache, stomach-ache, nausea,
blocked or runny nose or nose bleeds. Allergic reactions to the preservative
such as skin rash, itching or sore nose can occur rarely. If you experience one
or more of these side effects or any other undesirable effects please tell a
nurse or doctor. Excessive fluid intake may lead to a build-up of water, which
dilutes salt in the body. This is a serious condition and may lead to
convulsions. If an unusually bad or prolonged headache, confusion, nausea, or
vomiting occurs, immediately contact the doctor or the nearest hospital casualty
department before taking another dose. Storing the medicine; Desmopressin may be
stored at room temperature (up to 25 degrees Celsius). It must be protected from
light. Do NOT use Desmopressin if it is past the expiry date on the packaging.
If you are unsure about the storage, ask your pharmacist. It is best to return
all old and unused medicines to your pharmacist for safe disposal. Please do NOT
throw this leaflet away until the medicine is finished, as it may be needed
again. How to use Desmopressin nasal spray; (1) Remove the protective cap (2)
When first used prime the spray by pressing several times until a consistent,
fine spray is seen. (3) With your head tilted slightly back, place the nozzle
just inside the nostril. (4) Hold your breath (Do not sniff) and press the spray
once. (5) Repeat this procedure using alternate nostrils until the prescribed
dose is reached. (6) Replace the protective cap after use. (7) Store upright at
room temperature. (8) If the spray is not used within 7-days of the previous
date, re-prime by pressing the spray at least once before using.
HOME
to order
|