Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Desmotabs 0.2mg
⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Desmopressin acetate may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
What it is and what it is used for
for Desmotabs are tablets for oral use only. They are available in 0.2mg strength. They contain Desmopressin acetate, an antidiuretic (reduces urine production). Desmotabs are used:
- to treat primary nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting) in children (from 5 years of age) and adults (up to 65 years of age).
2. Before you take Desmotabs There are general restrictions, precautions and warnings which apply to all patients using Desmotabs. General restrictions: Do not take Desmotabs if you:
- have a serious heart or kidney disease
- are taking diuretics (water tablets)
- are allergic to any of the ingredients listed in section 6 of this leaflet
- drink unusually large quantities of fluids, including alcohol
- are under 5 or over 65 years old
- are taking medication for high blood pressure or have been told that your blood pressure is abnormal You should avoid drinking large amounts of fluid while you are being treated with Desmotabs, as this could lead to a build up of water which dilutes the salt in the body. This is a serious problem and may lead to convulsions. General precautions and warnings: Please consult your doctor before taking Desmotabs if you:
- have an illness causing fluid and/or salt imbalance e.g. vomiting, diarrhoea, systemic infections, fever or gastroenteritis
- have a medical condition that could be made worse by fluid and/or electrolyte disturbance. Condition where your blood sodium levels are too low or you are likely to build up too much water in your body
- have cystic fibrosis While taking Desmotabs:
- fluid intake must be limited to a minimum from 1 hour before taking the dose at bedtime until the following morning (and, in any case, for at least 8 hours)
- stop taking Desmotabs when suffering from vomiting and/or diarrhoea until you are better
- avoid swallowing water while swimming to prevent a build up of water in the body. Taking/using other medicines: Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you:
- are taking or having recently taken or used any other medicines, even those not prescribed
- if you are on medication for depression or epilepsy
- if you are taking a medicine for pain and/or inflammation containing non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (also known as NSAIDs) e.g. indometacin
- if you are taking a medicine containing loperamide for diarrhoea
200
Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, please inform your doctor before you take Desmotabs as blood pressure monitoring is recommended due to the increased risk of pre-eclampsia (a condition in pregnant women that can cause serious complications). Symptoms of pre-eclampsia include high blood pressure, oedema (swelling due to the build up of fluid) and proteinuria (protein in the urine). Breast-feeding: If you are breast-feeding ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking Desmotabs. Desmotabs contain Lactose monohydrate: Desmotabs contains the ingredient, lactose monohydrate. Therefore, if you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars (including lactose), contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product.
How to take it
Desmotabs Desmotabs are for oral use only. Do NOT take more than the prescribed dose in any 24 hour period. If you have the impression that the effect of Desmotabs is too strong or too weak, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. The usual dose is:
4. Possible side effects Like all medicines, Desmotabs can have side effects. You should avoid drinking large amounts of fluid while you are being treated with Desmotabs, as this could lead to a build up of water which dilutes the salt in the body. This is a serious problem and may lead to convulsions. STOP USING Desmotabs if you experience:
- unusually bad or prolonged headDFKHFRQIXVLRQXQH[SODLQHG ZHLJKWJDLQDQNOHVZHOOLQJQDXVHD RUYRPLWLQJ LWFKLQJVNLQUDVKes, swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty in breathing, wheeziness, chest tightness or coughing (sighs of allergic reactions) If you experience one or more of these side effects or any other undesirable effects, please inform your doctor or pharmacist. Most people taking Desmotabs find it causes them no problems. However, common side effects can include:
- headache
- stomach pain. Very rare cases of emotional disorders including aggression in children have also been reported. If you experience one or more of these
Possible side effects
or any other undesirable effects, please inform your doctor or pharmacist.
Your usual starting dose is one tablet 0.2mg taken at bedtime. Your doctor may increase the dose to two 0.2mg tablets at bedtime depending on how well the bedwetting is controlled. The need for continued treatment is normally checked every three months.
5. Storing Desmotabs
If you take more Desmotabs than you should: If you take more Desmotabs than you should, talk to your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Do not remove the silica gel insert from the bottle top.
If you forget to take Desmotabs: Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. Take the next dose at the usual time.
Keep Desmotabs out of the reach and sight of children. Do not store above 25°C. Keep the container tightly closed.
Do NOT take Desmotabs past the expiry date on the packaging. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. If you are unsure about the storage, ask your pharmacist. It is best to return all old and unused medicines to your pharmacist for safe disposal.
6. Further information
- Desmotabs are presented in plastic bottles containing 30 or 90 tablets
- each tablet contains 0.2mg of the active ingredient, Desmopressin acetate
- other ingredients in Desmotabs are lactose monohydrate, potato starch, povidone and magnesium stearate
- they are white, round tablets, scored on one side and engraved '0.2' on the other side. Marketing Authorisation Holder: PL 03194/0046 Ferring Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Drayton Hall, Church Road, Drive, The Courtyard, Waterside Langley, Berkshire SL3 6EZ West Drayton, UB7 7PS, UK (UK). Manufacturer: Ferring GmbH, Wittland 11, D-24109 Kiel, Germany. 200
This leaflet was last revised in June 2010. 2014 Desmotabs is a registered trademark.
Frequently asked questions about Desmotabs 0.2mg
What is the active substance in Desmotabs 0.2mg?
The active substance in Desmotabs 0.2mg is desmopressin acetate.
Where does this information come from?
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Desmotabs 0.2mg, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Can I get Desmotabs 0.2mg without a prescription?
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
About this leaflet
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
- Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc), Datapharm
- Active substance: desmopressin acetate
- Official document: view the original leaflet on emc →
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
4.1. Therapeutic indications
Desmopressin tablets are indicated for the treatment of primary nocturnal enuresis.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
Children (from 5 years of age) and adults (up to 65 years of age) with normal urine concentrating ability who have primary nocturnal enuresis should take 0.2mg at bedtime and only if needed should the dose be increased to 0.4mg.The need for continued treatment should be reassessed after 3 months by means of a period of at least 1 week without desmopressin tablets.
4.3. Contraindications
Desmopressin tablets are contraindicated in cases of cardiac insufficiency and other conditions requiring treatment with diuretic agents. Desmopressin tablets should only be used in patients with normal blood pressure. Before prescribing desmopressin tablets the diagnoses of psychogenic polydipsia and alcohol abuse should be excluded.Desmopressin should not be prescribed to patients over the age of 65 for the treatment of primary nocturnal enuresis.
4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use
Care should be taken with patients who have reduced renal function and/or cardiovascular disease or cystic fibrosis. In chronic renal disease the antidiuretic effect of desmopressin tablets would be less than normal.When desmopressin tablets are used for the treatment of enuresis, fluid intake must be limited from 1 hour before taking the tablets at bedtime until the next morning and in any case for a minimum of 8 hours after administration.Patients being treated for primary nocturnal enuresis should be warned to avoid ingesting water while swimming and to discontinue desmopressin tablets during an episode of vomiting and/or diarrhoea until their fluid balance is once again normal.Precautions to prevent fluid overload must be taken in:- conditions characterised by fluid and/or electrolyte imbalance- patients at risk for increased intracranial pressure
4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Substances which are known to induce SIADH e.g. tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, chlorpromazine and carbamazepine, may cause an additive antidiuretic effect leading to an increased risk of water retention and/or hyponatraemia. NSAIDs may induce water retention and/or hyponatraemia. Concomitant treatment with loperamide may result in a 3-fold increase of desmopressin plasma concentrations, which may lead to an increased risk of water retention and/or hyponatraemia. Although not investigated, other drugs slowing transport might have the same effect.A standardised 27% fat meal significantly decreased the absorption (rate and extent) of a 0.4mg dose of oral desmopressin. Although it did not significantly affect the pharmacodynamic effect (urine production and osmolality), there is the potential for this to occur at lower doses. If a diminution of effect is noted, then the effect of food should be considered before increasing the dose.
4.6. Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy:
Data on a limited number (n=53) of exposed pregnancies in women with diabetes insipidus indicate rare cases of malformations in children treated during pregnancy. To date, no other relevant epidemiological data are available. Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to pregnancy, embryonal/fetal development, parturition or postnatal development. Caution should be exercised when prescribing to pregnant women. Blood pressure monitoring is recommended due to the increased risk of pre-eclampsia. Lactation:
Results from analyses of milk from nursing mothers receiving high dose desmopressin (300 micrograms intranasally) indicate that the amounts of desmopressin that may be transferred to the child are considerably less than the amounts required to influence diuresis.
4.8. Undesirable effects
Side-effects include headache, stomach pain and nausea. Isolated cases of allergic skin reactions and more severe general allergic reactions have been reported. Very rare cases of emotional disorders including aggression in children have been reported. Treatment with desmopressin without concomitant reduction of fluid intake may lead to water retention/hyponatraemia with accompanying symptoms of headache, nausea, vomiting, weight gain, decreased serum sodium and in serious cases, convulsions.
4.9. Overdose
An overdose of desmopressin tablets leads to a prolonged duration of action with an increased risk of water retention and/or hyponatraemia. Treatment:
Although the treatment of hyponatraemia should be individualised, the following general recommendations can be given. Hyponatraemia is treated by discontinuing the desmopressin treatment, fluid restriction and symptomatic treatment if needed.
🇷🇴 Known in Romania as
Medicines sold in Romania with the same active substance: Cunoscut în România ca
⚠ Same active substance, but a different pharmaceutical form (for example a gel instead of a tablet). Not interchangeable — ask a pharmacist.
- NOCDURNA 25 micrograme prescriptionDESMOPRESSINUM · taken by mouth
- NOCDURNA 50 micrograme prescriptionDESMOPRESSINUM · taken by mouth
- MINIRIN MELT 60 micrograme prescriptionDESMOPRESSINUM · taken by mouth
- MINIRIN MELT 120 micrograme prescriptionDESMOPRESSINUM · taken by mouth
- MINIRIN MELT 240 micrograme prescriptionDESMOPRESSINUM · taken by mouth
- MINIRIN 0,2 mg prescriptionDESMOPRESSINUM · taken by mouth
Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Romanian medicines in the UK →
🇵🇱 Known in Poland as
Medicines sold in Poland with the same active substance: W Polsce znany jako
⚠ Same active substance, but a different pharmaceutical form (for example a gel instead of a tablet). Not interchangeable — ask a pharmacist.
- Minirin 0,1Desmopressini acetas · taken by mouth
- Minirin 0,2Desmopressini acetas · taken by mouth
- MinirinDesmopressinum · injection / infusion
- Minirin MeltDesmopressinum · taken by mouth
- NoqturinaDesmopressinum · taken by mouth
- AdinDesmopressinum · taken by mouth
Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Polish medicines in the UK →
💬 Ask about this leaflet
Ask anything about Desmotabs 0.2mg. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
Medicines containing Desmopressin acetate
- DDAVP Melt 120mcg oral lyophilisate
- DDAVP Melt 240mcg oral lyophilisate
- DDAVP Melt 60mcg oral lyophilisate
- DDAVP Tablets 0.1mg
- DDAVP Tablets 0.2mg
- DDAVP/Desmopressin Injection
- Demovo 360 micrograms / ml Oral Solution
- DesmoMelt 120mcg oral lyophilisate
- DesmoMelt 240mcg oral lyophilisate
- Desmopressin 240 microgram sublingual tablets
- Desmopressin 120 microgram Sublingual tablet
- Desmopressin 120 microgram sublingual tablets
- Desmopressin 120 microgram Tablet
- Desmopressin 120 micrograms Sublingual Tablets