VASOPRESSIN (Minurin^®)       to order  

IAS Notes; We advise using vasopressin on a need to only basis, i.e. when maximum concentration, retention and alertness is required. Dosages are described here are for mild diabetes, although we have also seen similar for the treatment of amnesia. Refrigeration is NOT required. Note that this more potent synthetic form of Vasopressin (Desmopressin) now replaces the earlier animal sourced Vasopressin's (Lypressin and Pitressin).2

Chemicals; Desmopressin acetate 0.1mg, Citric acid monohydrate 1.7mg, Disodium phosphate dihydrate 3mg, Sodium chloride 7.5mg, Benzalkonium chloride solution 50% 0.2mg, Purified water to 1ml. Ingredients; 5ml (1 puff from the nasal spray equals 10mcg Desmopressin) Before using your medicine; If the answer to any of the following questions is yes and the doctor does not know about it, contact the doctor before using this medicine. If the patient is 
(A) Suffering from a serious heart, liver or kidney disease? 
(B) Suffering from difficulty in passing water? 
(C) Suffering from cystic fibrosis? 
(D) Under 5 years of age or over 65? 
(E) Pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breast-feeding? 
(F) Drinking large amounts during the day or night? 
(G) Taking medication for high blood pressure or has been told that their blood pressure is abnormal? 
(H) Taking any other medicines that the doctor does not know about, including over the counter medicines? 
(I) Allergic to any of the ingredients listed? 
(J) On medication for depression or epilepsy? 
(K) Consuming alcohol each day? 

Precautions and Warnings; All patients being treated with Desmopressin should 1. Avoid swallowing water while swimming to prevent a build-up of water in the body 2. Avoid excessive fluid intake as this may lead to a build-up of water in the body. Patients being treated for primary nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting) or multiple sclerosis patients being treated for nocturia with Desmopressin should also; Stop using Desmospressin if suffering from vomiting and/ or diarrhea until better. Using your medicine; It is important that not than the prescribed dose is used in any 24-hour period. 

BEDWETTING; From the age of 5-years, the usual starting dose is one spray into each nostril at bedtime. Your doctor may change the dose according to how well the bedwetting is controlled. Do NOT drink until the morning. The need for continued treatment is normally checked every three months. 

DIABETES INSIPIDUS; Important; This should not be confused with diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes). Most common dosing in adults and children is one or two sprays into the nostril, once or twice daily. 

FREQUENT PASSING OF URINE AT NIGHT, normally caused by multiple sclerosis; One or two sprays at bedtime. Do NOT drink until the morning. The doctor will check the blood pressure and weight of the patient at regular intervals. 

ACCIDENTAL OVERDOSE: Contact the doctor or nearest hospital casualty department at once. Side effects are unlikely unless overdosing is repeated. If Desmopressin does not seem to be working contact the doctor. 

Side Effects: Most people using Desmopressin find it causes them no problems. Occasionally some people suffer from headache, stomach-ache, nausea, blocked or runny nose or nose bleeds. Allergic reactions to the preservative such as skin rash, itching or sore nose can occur rarely. If you experience one or more of these side effects or any other undesirable effects please tell a nurse or doctor. Excessive fluid intake may lead to a build-up of water, which dilutes salt in the body. This is a serious condition and may lead to convulsions. If an unusually bad or prolonged headache, confusion, nausea, or vomiting occurs, immediately contact the doctor or the nearest hospital casualty department before taking another dose. Storing the medicine; Desmopressin may be stored at room temperature (up to 25 degrees Celsius). It must be protected from light. Do NOT use Desmopressin if it is past the expiry date on the packaging. If you are unsure about the storage, ask your pharmacist. It is best to return all old and unused medicines to your pharmacist for safe disposal. Please do NOT throw this leaflet away until the medicine is finished, as it may be needed again. How to use Desmopressin nasal spray; (1) Remove the protective cap (2) When first used prime the spray by pressing several times until a consistent, fine spray is seen. (3) With your head tilted slightly back, place the nozzle just inside the nostril. (4) Hold your breath (Do not sniff) and press the spray once. (5) Repeat this procedure using alternate nostrils until the prescribed dose is reached. (6) Replace the protective cap after use. (7) Store upright at room temperature. (8) If the spray is not used within 7-days of the previous date, re-prime by pressing the spray at least once before using.  

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