DDAVP

DDAVP has greatly been known to be a safe medication for people who experience diabetes insipidus. DDAVP is generically called desmopressin acetate.

A DDAVP drug can be of any from. It can be a tablet, nose drop or nasal spray. It’s a medicine taken to manage the recurrent urinal activity and prevent further excessive loss of water in the body. These conditions are said to be the symptoms of diabetes insipidus. Aside from the previously mentioned, patients with diabetes insipidus are often bothered by waking up late at abnormal frequency urination. Another undesirable condition brought about by diabetes insipidus is bedwetting or medically termed as nocturnal enuresis (NE). It’s the spontaneous and uncontrollable flow of urine while the patient is at sleep.

There are several things that you need to know when taking DDAVP medication. Young and old patients must absolutely lower their water intake. If thirst for fluid is already satisfied then the patient must be able to control his fluid consumption. Even though it is particularly an uncommon case, fluid intoxication may likely to happen resulting to decreased levels of sodium in the blood if fluid consumption is not moderated.

Taking DDAVP strictly requires prescription. While tablets are obviously for oral intake, the drops and spray products of DDAVP must be appropriately applied through the external naris or nose holes. Close the mouth while medicating with DDAVP drops or sprays. Always follow the dosage mentioned by your doctor. He may raise or lower your dosage according to your body’s reaction to the drug. Improvement of condition will determine the dosage. If the doctors sees unchanged or increase in the production of urine in the kidney, he may likely increase your dosage. If frequency of getting up at night to urinate is lessened, then your body is responding positively to the drug. It is always best to visit your doctor regularly.

It is also important to know that DDAVP spray bottles are disposable. Doses are also limited to 50. So even if the bottle is not yet emptied, after 50 sprays, you will need to dispose of the bottle. Doctors often recommend DDAVP sprays if your dosage is higher. Patients who are only prescribed with less dosage may only medicate using the DDAVP nasal drops.

Sometimes, other conditions may hamper your DDAVP medication such as nose swelling, scars or insect bites and nasal congestion. In this case, your doctor will prescribe your other forms of DDAVP – either an injection or tablet form.

Missing doses will need to be dealt with immediately. The soonest time you remember you have missed, take your dose right away. Avoid making up for the lost dosage by doubling-up your dosage. Wait for the next schedule if it’s too late for you to make up for the missed dose. If you have missed your dose in less than an hour, you can still catch it up.

Unlike ordinary drugs where you can store in a medicine kit or cabinet, DDAVP nasal drop must be refrigerated. It will last safe and fresh for three weeks, while you may be away or storing stocks for future use. The other two forms – DDAVP sprays and tablets may be stored safely in a medicine cabinet at normal temperature but away from sunlight and heat.

Like most drugs, a patient will also feel minor to serious DDAVP side effects depending on the body’s reaction to the drug. If DDAVP sprays and drops are taken with intentinally increased dosage, the patient will experience sudden nausea, headache, stuffed nose, nose flushing and irritation. In rare cases, patients experience nose bleeding, coughing, sore throat and other respiratory related illnesses.

It is very important to discuss with your doctor if you have an allergic history with sprays. Hypertension patients may also need to be cautious in taking DDAVP since it can raise high blood pressure. Ask your doctor about a good diet and what-to-dos while under DDAVP medication.