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Desmopressin - Desmotabs®                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Used with people who experience nocturia (the need to go to the toilet frequently during the night). The drug can also be used during the day if regular access to a toilet is not convenient, for instance during long haul travelling. However, it is essential that the user recognises the possible dangers of retaining too much water if it is used more than once in 24 hours. Desmopressin is usually taken orally as a tablet. Desmotabs are used to treat bedwetting at night  - nocturnal enuresis, if this proves to be caused by a deficiency of the natural hormone.

Desmopressin is a synthetic antidiuretic hormone, which means that it suppresses the production of urine by the kidneys. It can reduce urine production for six to eight hours. It is a type of medicine called a vasopressin analogue which is similar to a hormone produced naturally by the body, called vasopressin or antidiuretic hormone.

Desmopressin is similar in structure to natural ADH. It works by binding to the ADH receptors in the kidneys, which mimics the effect of natural ADH. This reduces the production of urine. [1]

Side effects may occur                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

• Confusion.
• Convulsions - rare
• Lowering of sodium levels in the blood - hyponatremia.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Headache.
• If you suffer from vomiting or diarrhoea you should stop using this medicine until you feel better.
• Those with dependent oedema - an increase in fluid in the body, which can be caused by inactivity or reduced mobility - should not use desmopressin.
• It is important that you avoid excessive fluid intake while having treatment with this medicine, as this can lead to a build up of fluid in the body.

Antidiuretic hormone  - ADH is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. It is involved in controlling the natural balance of water levels in the body. It normally acts on receptors in the kidneys to prevent excessive amounts of water being filtered out of the blood and into the urine which reduces the production of urine. Usually more urine is produced during the day, and the kidneys concentrate the urine so less is produced at night. This process is controlled by the antidiuretic hormone. If the kidneys fail to concentrate urine in the night, it can cause bedwetting or the need to go to the toilet a lot.

1. Eckford S, et al. Desmopressin in the treatment of nocturia and enuresis in patients with multiple sclerosis. British Journal of Urology 1994;74:733-735.

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