Risky Bedwetting Drug Removed for UK Market but Still Approved in U.S.
July 16, 2007 16:41

According to an announcement on April 18, 2007 by the UK equivalent of the Food & Drug Administration, Desmopressin nasal spray is no longer approved in the United Kingdom. Desmopressin (DDAVP) and multiple generic versions are used to treat bedwetting.

The UK health authorities were based on reports of serious side effects including water intoxication, low body sodium levels, and convulsions.

Desmopressin still remains approved for bedwetting in the United States although does warn of the possibility of low sodium levels and related water intoxication. Low sodium levels can be dangerous. The concentrations of sodium are equal in the blood and in the fluid between the cells and much lower inside of cells. But if extra cellular sodium levels fall, water will seep into the cells in order to increase the extra cellular sodium levels, making the cells swell. Most symptoms of low body sodium levels will result from brain swelling.

Symptoms of low sodium levels include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, headache, restlessness, fatigue, irritability, abnormal mental status, coma, hallucinations, decreased consciousness, confusion, convulsions, muscle weakness, muscle spasms, and cramps.