This medicine comes in several forms: a nasal spray, tablets to be taken by mouth, and injections (shots). The nasal spray is used to treat bedwetting at night. The tablets and nasal spray are used to treat diabetes insipidus (excess urination and thirst from too little of a hormone called ADH). This medicine is also used to treat hemophilia A and von Willebrand's disease (bleeding disorders), and for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Proper Use

Take the exact number of tablets prescribed by your doctor. Do not take them for a longer period than prescribed.

Use the nasal spray exactly as directed by your doctor. Read the instructions that come with the spray. Do not use more of it or use it more often than prescribed. Using too much can increase the risk of side effects.

Some people can give themselves shots. If you are to give yourself the shots, be sure you know how to give them and how much medicine to use. Use disposable syringes and needles. Do not reuse them, and dispose of them properly.

Please Note

Some people may need to watch their intake of fluids while under treatment with this medicine. Ask your doctor about this.

If you are using this medicine to control bleeding, contact your doctor if you have bleeding that is not controlled after a dose.

DDAVP nasal solution is available in a nasal tube delivery system that allows the solution to be blown deep into the nasal cavity. Read the instructions carefully if your doctor prescribes this form.

Stimate nasal solution comes in a spray pump that must be primed before the first use. To prime the pump, press down 4 times. The spray pump is set to deliver 25 doses. After 25 doses, throw out any left over spray because it may not be the proper strength.

Keep the nasal spray in the refrigerator. If it is stored at room temperature, it keeps for only 3 weeks. Also, keep the medicine for injection in the refrigerator.

Contact your doctor if you develop a headache, shortness of breath, heartburn, nausea, abdominal cramps, or external vaginal (vulval) pain.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding an infant.

Possible Side Effects

Serious (report these to your doctor): Headache, shortness of breath, heartburn, nausea, abdominal cramps, vaginal pain.

Other: Drowsiness, dizziness, light-sensitive eyes, facial flushing, pain where injections are given.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Possible Drug Interactions

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it may increase or decrease the effects of the medicines. Or the combination may cause harmful side effects. Some medicines that may interact with this medicine are:

• carbamazepine (Tegretol)
• chlorpropamide (Diabinese)
• other pressor agents such as lypressin (Diapid) and vasopressin (Pitressin).

Be sure that you tell all doctors who treat you about all medicines you are taking, including nonprescription products.

This educational document includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Other Names For This Medication:

DDAVP (desmopressin acetate, oral); DDAVP (desmopressin acetate, intranasal); DDAVP (desmopressin acetate, injection); desmopressin acetate, oral; desmopressin acetate, intranasal; desmopressin acetate, injection; Stimate (desmopressin acetate, intranasal)