Desmopressin is used to treat nighttime bed-wetting, central diabetes insipidus, and increased thirst and urination caused by head surgery or head trauma.

Desmopressin is a man-made form of a hormone that occurs naturally in the pituitary gland and regulates how the body uses water.

Desmopressin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use desmopressin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• severe kidney disease; or
• hyponatremia (low sodium levels in your body).

You also should not take Nocdurna sublingual desmopressin if you have:

• a disease or psychologic disorder that causes extreme or unusual thirst;
• syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH, high levels of a hormone that causes fluid retention);
• severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure;
• heart failure; or
• if you take a diuretic ("water pill") or use a steroid medicine (oral, nasal, inhaled, or injectable).

Desmopressin is not approved to treat bed-wetting in a child younger than 6 years old. Nocdurna is not approved for use in anyone younger than 18 years old.

Do not give this medicine to a child for any reason without medical advice.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• an electrolyte imbalance;
• unusual thirst;
• fluid retention;
• congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease;
• high blood pressure;
• urination problems;
• kidney disease; or
• cystic fibrosis.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Use DDAVP (Oral) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• low levels of sodium in the body--headache, confusion, hallucinations, muscle cramps, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling restless or unsteady;
• flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
• swelling, weight gain;
• a seizure;
• weak or shallow breathing; or
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.

Serious side effects may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects may include:

• headache;
• dizziness;
• dry mouth;
• nausea; or
• mild stomach pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

While treating nighttime bed-wetting, avoid drinking anything within 1 hour before your bedtime dose of desmopressin. Do not drink anything until the next morning, or at least 8 hours after you have taken the medicine.

Avoid coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks, or other sources of caffeine before bedtime.

Also avoid drinking alcohol before bedtime.