Minirin Tablets (Desmopressin Acetate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Minirin Tablets Used For?
Minirin Tablets contains desmopressin acetate, which is a synthetic version of a natural hormone called vasopressin that’s produced in your brain. This medication works on your kidneys to reduce the amount of urine your body produces.
Primary Uses
Minirin Tablets is prescribed for two main conditions: primary nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting) in patients over 6 years of age who have normal urine concentration ability and haven’t responded to bedwetting alarms, and cranial diabetes insipidus (a condition causing excessive urine production and constant thirst).
How It Works
The medication mimics the action of vasopressin, a hormone naturally produced in your brain. It works by acting on your kidneys to reduce the amount of urine produced, helping to control bedwetting or the excessive urination associated with diabetes insipidus.
How to Take Minirin Tablets
The dosage and timing of Minirin Tablets depends on the condition being treated. Always follow your doctor’s specific instructions and take the medication exactly as prescribed.
Dosage Instructions
For bedwetting: Start with one tablet (200 micrograms) at bedtime. If this doesn’t work after some time, your doctor may increase the dose to two tablets (400 micrograms) at bedtime. If there’s no improvement after four weeks, treatment should be stopped. For cranial diabetes insipidus: Doses up to 200 micrograms three times daily are commonly used, but your doctor will adjust the dose to suit your personal needs.
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 the following evening. For diabetes insipidus: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then adjust the timing of your next dose accordingly. 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. If you’re unsure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
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 or vomiting, rapid weight gain
- Convulsions, fitting, and blackouts (including coma)
- High blood pressure
- Bladder problems
- Emotional or behavioral disturbances
- Hallucinations
- Allergic reactions: shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, rash, itching, or hives
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Minirin Tablets should not be used or requires special caution. Always inform your doctor about your complete medical history.
Who Should Not Take Minirin Tablets
Do not take this medication if you’re allergic to desmopressin or any ingredients, habitually drink large amounts of fluid, have heart failure with fluid buildup, have kidney disease with little or no urine output, have low blood sodium levels, have a condition causing excessive anti-diuretic hormone release, are breastfeeding, or are under 6 years old.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have allergies to anti-diuretic hormone, fluid imbalances, heart or blood vessel disease, low blood pressure, cystic fibrosis, blood clotting disorders, serious bladder problems, galactose intolerance, or increased pressure in your head.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Minirin Tablets should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits with you. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking this medication.
Elderly Patients: If you are over 65 years of age, starting Minirin Tablet treatment is not recommended as elderly patients may be at increased risk of some side effects.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can interfere with how Minirin Tablets works, potentially increasing the risk of side effects or reducing effectiveness. Always tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking.
Food Interaction: Food intake may reduce the effectiveness of Minirin Tablets.
- Loperamide (anti-diarrheal medication)
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Chlorpromazine
- Carbamazepine
- Diabetes medications that can increase fluid buildup risk
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – may cause water retention and low sodium levels
Alcohol & Driving
Minirin Tablets is not expected to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery under normal circumstances.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol interactions are mentioned in the prescribing information, but you should discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor.
Driving and Operating Machinery
This medication is not expected to impair your ability to drive a car or operate machinery safely.
Storage
Keep Minirin Tablets in their original container to protect them from moisture and light. Store in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C, away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Don’t store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep the container tightly closed and don’t remove the desiccant capsule from the cap. Keep out of reach of children – a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground is recommended.
Overdose Information
If you think you’ve taken too much Minirin Tablets, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to your nearest hospital emergency department, even if you feel fine. Overdose symptoms may include confusion, drowsiness, continuing headache, nausea, vomiting, rapid weight gain due to water buildup, or in severe cases, convulsions.
Frequently Asked Questions
For bedwetting, if there’s no improvement after four weeks of treatment, your doctor will typically stop the medication. The medication works by reducing urine production, so effects may be noticed relatively quickly once the proper dose is established.
Food intake may reduce the effectiveness of Minirin Tablets, so it’s important to follow your doctor’s specific instructions about timing with meals.
Don’t stop taking your medicine or lower the dosage without checking with your doctor first. If you stop taking it suddenly, your condition may worsen.
For bedwetting, you must avoid drinking fluids from one hour before taking Minirin Tablets until the next morning (at least eight hours). During this period, drink no more than a few sips of water, as high fluid intake can increase the chance of feeling unwell with symptoms like headache, nausea, or dizziness.
Minirin Tablets for bedwetting is usually taken for periods up to 3 months. After this period, you should have at least one week without the medication to check if bedwetting has stopped.
Headache, stomach pain, and nausea can be signs of hyponatraemia (low sodium levels in the blood), which is a rare but serious side effect. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms, especially if accompanied by confusion, drowsiness, or rapid weight gain.
If you are over 65 years of age, starting Minirin Tablet treatment is not recommended as elderly patients may be at increased risk of some side effects.
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.