What medications cause Diabetes Insipidus (DI)?

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Last updated: May 16, 2025 • View editorial policy

From the Research

Lithium is the most common cause of medication-induced diabetes insipidus, and it can cause nephrogenic diabetes insipidus by damaging kidney receptors that respond to antidiuretic hormone (ADH) 1.

Medications that Cause Diabetes Insipidus

Several medications can cause diabetes insipidus, a condition characterized by excessive urination and thirst due to problems with antidiuretic hormone (ADH).

  • Lithium, which is used to treat bipolar disorder, is a common culprit and can cause nephrogenic diabetes insipidus by damaging kidney receptors that respond to ADH 1.
  • Demeclocycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, can also induce this condition by blocking ADH effects in the kidneys.
  • Other medications that may cause diabetes insipidus include amphotericin B (an antifungal), foscarnet (an antiviral), certain chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin, and some psychiatric medications such as phenothiazines.
  • Medications like mannitol and loop diuretics (furosemide, bumetanide) can mimic diabetes insipidus symptoms by increasing urine output through different mechanisms.

Treatment and Management

If you're experiencing excessive urination and thirst while taking any of these medications, it's essential to consult your healthcare provider immediately.

  • They may adjust your medication, recommend increased fluid intake, or prescribe treatments like desmopressin to manage symptoms 2.
  • The condition typically resolves once the causative medication is discontinued, though lithium-induced cases may persist longer due to kidney damage.
  • In some cases, treatment with thiazide diuretics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be effective in reducing urine output 1.
  • Desmopressin can also be a viable treatment option for lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, as it has been shown to reduce urine output by approximately 70% in some cases 2.

Prevention and Monitoring

Prevention of lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is an important aspect of the treatment of affective disorders.

  • Close monitoring of the treatment, aiming at 12-hour trough value of 0.4 to 0.6 mmol/L, is recommended 1.
  • Yearly measurement of the urinary volume/day is effective in making both the patient and the physician aware of the development of the drug-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus 1.

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This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.