Brand Name(s): DDAVP Rhinal Tube

Generic Name Desmopressin Rhinal Tube Nose Solution

What is desmopressin rhinal tube nose solution?

DESMOPRESSIN (DDAVP® Rhinal Tube) is a man-made form of vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone, or ADH). In the body, vasopressin acts to balance the amount of salt and water in your body. Desmopressin helps to prevent or control frequent urination, excessive thirst, and dehydration associated with decreased levels of vasopressin. Such problems occur with diabetes insipidus or certain brain injuries. Desmopressin is also used to help stop frequent nighttime urination or bedwetting. Generic desmopressin nasal spray with rhinal tubes is available.

What should my health care professional know before I use desmopressin?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• blood clots
• cystic fibrosis
• heart disease, including history of a heart attack or heart failure
• high blood pressure
• nasal congestion or trauma to the nose
• an unusual or allergic reaction to desmopressin, vasopressin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Desmopressin rhinal tube is only for use through the nose; do not take by mouth. Read the package instructions carefully and use exactly as directed. For bedwetting or to prevent excessive urination at night, take 30 minutes before bedtime. This medicine is administered through a soft flexible plastic tube that has dose marks on it. Break the seal on the bottle and remove cap. Twist off the seal from the dropper. Keep this seal as it is reversed to prevent leakage from the dropper. The correct amount of desmopressin is squeezed into this tube from the dropper bottle. You may need some practice to do this right. Once the dose is in the tube, hold the tube with your fingers, about 3/4" from the end. Put the tube into a nostril, until your fingers touch the nostril. Put the other end of the tube in your mouth, holding your breath. Tilt your head back and blow with a short strong puff through the tube. This places the solution in the nasal cavity and not down your throat. After use, reseal the dropper tip and close the bottle. Wash the rhinal tube in water and shake well, until no water is left in the tube. Do not use more of your medicine than directed, and do not use more or less often than directed. To avoid the spread of infection, do not share the container or tube with anyone else.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you use two or more doses per day, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule with the next dose. Do not use double doses.

If you use one dose per day, use the missed dose as soon as you remember on the day the dose was due. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule with the next dose. Do not use double doses.

What drug(s) may interact with desmopressin?

• alcohol
• carbamazepine
• chlorpropamide
• cisplatin
• clofibrate
• cyclophosphamide
• demeclocycline
• fludrocortisone
• lithium
• vincristine

Tell your prescriber or health care professional: about all other medicines you are taking including non-prescription medicines; if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol; if you smoke; or if you use illegal drugs. These can affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects might I notice from using desmopressin?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: rash, itching, hives, difficulty breathing
• confusion
• drowsiness
• nausea, persistent or severe
• rapid weight gain
• retaining water
• severe or continuing headaches
• seizures
• weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• flushing (reddening) of the skin
• headache
• nausea
• runny or stuffy nose
• stomach pain or cramps
• vaginal area pain

What should I watch for while taking desmopressin?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

Desmopressin can prevent the loss of water. Only drink enough fluid to satisfy your thirst. Too much water in the body can cause confusion, drowsiness, or lethargy, which may lead to seizures or coma. The risk of too much water in the body is greater in young children and the elderly. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice about your fluid intake.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children. For 2.5 ml bottles, discard after 25 uses (doses). There may be solution left in the bottle, do not attempt to transfer the solution to another bottle. If you continue to use after the recommended number of doses, you may not receive the correct dose.

Store in the refrigerator 4 and 8 °C (36 and 46 °F). When traveling, the product will maintain stability for up to 3 weeks when stored at room temperature, 22 °C (72 °F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.