Minirin

For controlling excessive urination at night, the usual starting dose for oral tablets (i.e., taken by mouth and swallowed) is 0.2 mg taken one hour before bedtime. Depending on your response to Minirin (Desmopressin), your doctor may gradually increase the dose to 0.6 mg at bedtime. You should limit your fluid intake for a few hours before taking Minirin (Desmopressin). In addition, you should limit the amount of alcohol and caffeine you consume during evening hours.

For central diabetes insipidus, the usual starting dose for oral tablets is 0.1 mg taken 3 times daily. Your doctor will then adjust the dose depending on your response to Minirin (Desmopressin). The maximum dose for oral tablets is 0.4 mg taken 3 times daily.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take Minirin (Desmopressin) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you are taking Minirin (Desmopressin) for controlling excessive urination at night and you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

If you are taking Minirin (Desmopressin) for central diabetes insipidus and you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Minirin (Desmopressin) at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Minirin is no longer being manufactured for sale in Canada. For brands that may still be available, search under Minirin (Desmopressin). This article is being kept available for reference purposes only. If you are using this medication, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for information about your treatment options.

Do not take Minirin (Desmopressin) tablets if you:

• are allergic to Minirin (Desmopressin) or any ingredients of the medication
• have low blood sodium levels, severe liver disease, impaired kidney function, heart failure or adrenal problems
• have conditions leading to low sodium in the blood (e.g., bulimia, anorexia nervosa, chronic vomiting, Diarrhea, and adrenal impairment)
• have type IIB or platelet type (pseudo) von Willebrand's disease

There may be an interaction between Minirin (Desmopressin) and any of the following:

• Carbamazepine
• Chlorpromazine
• clofibrate
• diuretics or "water pills" (e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide)
• Lamotrigine
• lithium
• Loperamide
• narcotic pain relievers (e.g., Codeine, Fentanyl, Morphine, Oxycodone)
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs; e.g., Diclofenac, Celecoxib, Ibuprofen, Naproxen)
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline, Fluvoxamine, Citalopram)
• Tolvaptan
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline)

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Blood pressure: Minirin (Desmopressin) may occasionally cause increases in blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure or heart disease, discuss with your doctor how Minirin (Desmopressin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed

Cystic Fibrosis: People with cystic fibrosis are more likely to experience low levels of sodium in the body. This can lead to increased side effects with Minirin (Desmopressin). If you have cystic fibrosis, discuss with your doctor how Minirin (Desmopressin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Minirin (Desmopressin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Fluid and electrolyte balance: Fluid intake should be adjusted in order to reduce the possibility of water retention and low levels of sodium in the blood, especially for very young people and for seniors. People who are dehydrated should wait until their water balance has been adequately restored before taking Minirin (Desmopressin). Seniors should be closely observed for possible water retention and low sodium in the blood due to excessive fluid intake. Talk to your doctor about adjusting the amount of fluid intake that is right for you. For control of nighttime urination, a restricted fluid intake is recommended a few hours before using Minirin (Desmopressin).

Lactose intolerance: The regular tablet form of Minirin (Desmopressin) contains lactose. If you have galactose intolerance (galactosemia, glucose-galactose malabsorption, or Lapp lactase deficiency) you should not take this formulation. The sublingual tablet formulation does not contain lactose.

Medical conditions: Minirin (Desmopressin) is not effective in controlling excessive urination caused by Kidney Disease, diabetes, psychosomatic conditions, low blood potassium, or high blood calcium.

Short-term illnesses: Many short-term illnesses such as Fever, infections and stomach irritation can cause dehydration. This dehydration may cause complications with the use of Minirin (Desmopressin). Talk to your doctor about how to manage your Minirin (Desmopressin) treatment if you develop a short-term illness.

Tolerance: There are reports of changes in response over time, usually when the medication has been used for periods longer than 6 months. Some people may experience decreased responsiveness, while others may experience a shortened duration of effect.

Urinary tract problems: If you have severe bladder or voiding problems, the way your body gets rid of excess water or sodium may be impaired. Discuss with your doctor how Minirin (Desmopressin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Minirin (Desmopressin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pregnancy: Minirin (Desmopressin) has been used during pregnancy with no harm reported. However, no controlled studies have been done on its use by pregnant women. Minirin (Desmopressin) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Minirin (Desmopressin) from Minirin (Desmopressin) tablets passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Minirin (Desmopressin), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: Children are more likely to experience low sodium levels and fluid build up as a result of consuming too much fluid. Your child’s doctor should closely monitor fluid and sodium levels while your child is taking Minirin (Desmopressin).

Seniors: Seniors are more likely to experience low sodium levels and fluid build up as a result of consuming too much fluid or decreased kidney function. Your doctor should closely monitor your condition while you are taking Minirin (Desmopressin).