Minirin Melt (Desmopressin)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Minirin Melt Used For?
Minirin Melt contains desmopressin, a synthetic version of vasopressin, a natural hormone produced in the brain. It works on the kidneys to reduce the amount of urine produced.
Primary Uses
Minirin Melt is used to treat primary nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting) in patients over 6 years of age who have normal urine concentrating ability and haven’t responded to enuresis alarms. It’s also used for cranial diabetes insipidus, a condition causing excessive urine production and constant thirst.
How It Works
Desmopressin is a synthetic version of vasopressin, a hormone naturally produced in the brain. It acts on the kidneys to reduce urine production, helping control bedwetting and excessive urination.
How to Take Minirin Melt
Minirin Melt is a sublingual wafer that dissolves under your tongue in seconds without needing water. Carefully remove the wafer from the blister pack and place it under your tongue.
Dosage Instructions
For bedwetting: Start with one wafer (120 mcg) under the tongue at bedtime. If needed, your doctor may increase to 240 mcg (two 120 mcg wafers or one 240 mcg wafer) at bedtime. For cranial diabetes insipidus: Doses up to 120 mcg three times daily are commonly used. Your doctor will determine the right dose for you. Treatment for bedwetting is usually for up to 3 months, followed by at least one week without medication to check if bedwetting has stopped.
What If You Miss a Dose?
For bedwetting: If you miss your bedtime dose, skip it and take the next dose at the usual time. For cranial diabetes insipidus: Take the next dose as soon as you remember, then adjust the timing of following doses. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. This could lead to serious side effects.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Sleepiness
- Sweating
- Nosebleed
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Signs of low sodium levels (hyponatraemia): confusion, drowsiness, continuing headache, nausea, vomiting, rapid weight gain, swelling of hands/ankles/feet, convulsions
- Allergic reactions: shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, rash, itching, hives
- High blood pressure
- Bladder problems
- Emotional or behavioral disturbances
- Hallucinations
Important Warnings
Minirin Melt has important contraindications and requires careful monitoring, especially regarding fluid intake and sodium levels.
Who Should Not Take Minirin Melt
Do not take if you’re allergic to desmopressin, drink large amounts of fluids habitually, have heart failure, kidney disease with little/no urine output, low blood sodium levels, diseases causing excessive anti-diuretic hormone release, are breastfeeding, or are under 6 years old. Also avoid if the medication is expired or packaging is damaged.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have allergies to anti-diuretic hormones, fluid imbalances, heart or blood vessel disease, low blood pressure, cystic fibrosis, blood clotting disorders, serious bladder problems, or increased pressure in your head. Also mention if you take diuretics or other medications.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Minirin Melt should only be used during pregnancy if necessary. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking this medication.
Elderly Patients: Starting Minirin Melt treatment is not recommended for patients over 65 years as they may be at increased risk of side effects.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can increase the effects of Minirin Melt and raise the risk of fluid buildup and low sodium levels.
- Loperamide (anti-diarrheal medication)
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Chlorpromazine
- Carbamazepine
- Diabetes medications that release antidiuretic hormone
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – may cause water retention and low sodium levels
Alcohol & Driving
Minirin Melt is not expected to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. However, special fluid restrictions apply when taking this medication.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol interactions are mentioned, but fluid intake restrictions apply – avoid drinking fluids from one hour before taking Minirin Melt until the next morning (at least 8 hours) when treating bedwetting.
Driving and Operating Machinery
This medication is not expected to affect your ability to drive a car or operate machinery safely.
Storage
Keep Minirin Melt in the original container to protect from moisture and light. Store in a cool, dry place below 25°C, away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Don’t store in bathrooms, near sinks, in cars, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground.
Overdose Information
If you think you’ve taken too much Minirin Melt, seek immediate medical attention. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even without symptoms. Overdose symptoms may include confusion, drowsiness, continuing headache, nausea, vomiting, rapid weight gain from water buildup, or in severe cases, convulsions.
Frequently Asked Questions
The wafer dissolves under your tongue in seconds. For bedwetting, if there’s no improvement after 4 weeks of treatment, it should be stopped. Your doctor will monitor your progress.
You must avoid drinking fluids from one hour before taking Minirin Melt until the next morning (at least 8 hours). During this period, drink no more than a few sips of water. Remember to drink normally throughout the day to prevent dehydration.
For bedwetting: Skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the usual time. For cranial diabetes insipidus: Take the next dose as soon as you remember, then adjust the timing of following doses. Never take a double dose.
Starting Minirin Melt treatment is not recommended for patients over 65 years of age, as elderly patients may be at increased risk of side effects.
Don’t stop taking your medicine or change the dosage without checking with your doctor. If you stop taking it suddenly, your condition may worsen.
Keep it in the original container to protect from moisture and light. Store in a cool, dry place below 25°C, away from heat, moisture, and sunlight. Don’t store in bathrooms or cars.
Watch for headache, stomach pain, nausea, confusion, drowsiness, continuing headache, vomiting, rapid weight gain, or swelling of hands, ankles, or feet. These can be signs of hyponatraemia (low sodium levels), which requires immediate medical attention.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.