Brand name: Minirin
Pronounced: dee-dee-ai-vee-pee
Generic name: MINIRIN (Concentraid, Desmopressin, DDAVP, Stimate)
Other brand name: Stimate
Why is Minirin prescribed?

Minirin nasal spray, nose drops, and tablets are given to prevent or control the frequent urination and loss of water associated with diabetes insipidus (a rare condition characterized by very large quantities of diluted urine and excessive thirst). They are also used to treat frequent passage of urine and increased thirst in people with certain brain injuries, and those who have undergone surgery in the pituitary region of the brain. Minirin nasal spray and nose drops are also prescribed to help stop some types of bedwetting.

Stimate nasal spray is used to stop bleeding in certain types of hemophilia (failure of the blood to clot).
Most important fact about Minirin

When taking Minirin, elderly and young people in particular should limit their fluid intake to no more than what satisfies thirst. Although extremely rare, there is a possibility of water intoxication, in which reduced sodium levels in the blood can lead to seizures.
How should you take Minirin?

Use Minirin exactly as prescribed. The spray and drops are for nasal use only; never swallow Minirin or allow the liquid to run into your mouth.

Your doctor may increase or decrease your dosage, depending on how you respond to Minirin. Your response will be judged by how long you are able to sleep without having to get up to urinate and how much urine your kidneys produce.

The Minirin nasal spray pump bottle accurately delivers 50 doses of Minirin. After the 50th dose, the amount of medication that comes out with each spray will no longer be a full dose. When this happens, throw the bottle away even if it is not completely empty.

Stimate nasal spray delivers 25 doses; the same instructions apply. The Stimate nasal spray pump must be primed before you use it for the first time: Press down 4 times.

Since the Minirin/DDAVP spray bottle delivers only a standard-sized dose, those who need more or less medication should use the nose drops instead of the spray.

If nasal congestion, scars, or swelling inside the nose make it difficult to absorb Minirin, your doctor may temporarily stop the drug or give you tablets or an injectable form. If you are switched to tablets, you should start taking them 12 hours after you last used the nasal spray or nose drops.

If you miss a dose MINIRIN (Concentraid, Desmopressin, DDAVP, Stimate)

Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If you take 1 dose a day and don't remember until the next day, skip the dose. If you take Minirin more than once a day and it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never try to "catch up" by doubling the dose.

Storage instructions...

The drops should be stored in the refrigerator. If you are traveling, they will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.

The tablets and nasal spray can be kept at room temperature. Protect the tablets from heat and light.
Minirin side effects

Too high a dosage of Minirin nasal spray or drops may produce headache, nausea, mild abdominal cramps, stuffy nose, irritation of the nose, or flushing. These symptoms will probably disappear when the dosage is reduced. Some people have complained of nosebleed, sore throat, cough, or a cold or other upper respiratory infections after taking Minirin nasal spray or drops.

* Other potential side effects include:
Abdominal pain, chills, conjunctivitis (pinkeye), depression, dizziness, inability to produce tears, leg rash, nostril pain, rash, stomach or intestinal upset, swelling around the eyes, weakness

* Side effects of Stimate nasal spray may include:
Agitation, chest pain, chills, dizziness, fluid retention and swelling, indigestion, inflammation of the penis, insomnia, itchy or light-sensitive eyes, pain, pounding heartbeat, rapid heartbeat, sleepiness, vomiting, warm feeling

Why should Minirin not be prescribed?

Do not use Minirin if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to any of its ingredients.
Special warnings about MINIRIN (Concentraid, Desmopressin, DDAVP, Stimate)

If you have cystic fibrosis or any other condition in which there is fluid and electrolyte imbalance, you should use Minirin with extreme caution.

Because Minirin may cause a rise in blood pressure, use this medication cautiously if you have high blood pressure and/or coronary artery disease. Your blood pressure could also fall temporarily. If you continue to experience bleeding after using Stimate nasal spray, contact your doctor.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Minirin

If Minirin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Minirin with the following:

Any drug used to increase blood pressure
Clofibrate (Atromid-S)
Glyburide (Micronase)
Epinephrine (EpiPen)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Although Minirin is not known to cause birth defects, it should be used with caution. Minirin should be taken during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Minirin is not believed to appear in breast milk. However, check with your doctor before using the drug while breastfeeding.
Recommended dosage for Minirin

Your doctor will carefully tailor your dosage to meet your individual needs.

CENTRAL CRANIAL DIABETES INSIPIDUS
Overdosage

An overdose of Minirin may cause abdominal cramps, flushing, headache, or nausea. If you suspect an overdose of Minirin, seek medical attention immediately.