From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Role of Desmopressin in Treating Nocturia
- Desmopressin is a synthetic antidiuretic hormone analogue that has been shown to be effective in treating nocturia associated with nocturnal polyuria 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The medication works by reducing the amount of urine produced at night, thereby decreasing the number of nocturnal voids and improving sleep quality 2, 4.
- Studies have demonstrated that desmopressin can increase the initial sleep period or mean maximum period of uninterrupted sleep by approximately 2 hours, resulting in significant improvements in patient quality of life 2, 4.
Efficacy and Safety of Desmopressin
- Desmopressin has been found to be effective in reducing the number of nocturnal voids and improving sleep quality in patients with nocturia associated with nocturnal polyuria 1, 2, 4, 5.
- The medication is generally well-tolerated, with most adverse events being mild and transient 2, 5.
- However, desmopressin can cause hyponatremia, a condition characterized by low sodium levels in the blood, which can be serious if left untreated 2, 3, 5.
- Patients treated with desmopressin should be monitored regularly for signs of hyponatremia, particularly older individuals or those with risk factors for the development of this condition 3, 5.
Patient Selection and Dosing
- Desmopressin is most effective in patients with high mean night-time urine volumes, as determined by a bladder diary 1.
- The initial dose of desmopressin should be between 25-100 mcg, with higher doses providing no significant increase in benefit and potentially increasing the risk of adverse effects 5.
- Patients with chronic lung disease should use desmopressin with caution due to the rare occurrence of respiratory failure 5.
- A bladder diary remains a basic diagnostic tool for diagnosing nocturnal polyuria and identifying patients who may benefit from desmopressin treatment 3.