Herbal Spotlight
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 desmopressin |
| DDAVP, DDVP, Minirin, Stimate |
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NEW WARNING
The Food and Drug Administration has issued an alert and a Healthcare Professional information sheet regarding safety issues with the ADH analogue desmopressin, which is currently used to treat diabetes insipidus, hemophilia, and nocturnal enuresis. Reports of severe hyponatremia and seizures have resulted in changes in prescribing information. The intranasal formulations are no longer indicated for the treatment of nocturnal enuresis because children are especially vulnerable to hyponatremia. Other forms should be interrupted during episodes of fluid or electrolyte imbalances, and fluid intake should be restricted from 1 hour before to 8 hours after administration of desmopressin tablets. Desmopressin should be used cautiously in patients with habitual polydipsia or who are taking drugs such as antidepressants that might cause them to drink more fluids; these patients are more prone to developing hyponatremia. All patients taking the drug should be monitored for signs of hyponatremia.
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