Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

This medicine comes with Medication Guide or patient information leaflet and patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

This medicine should only be used in the nose.

Your doctor may limit the amount of fluid or water you drink. Follow the instructions carefully to prevent unwanted effects.

To use the nasal spray:

  • When used for the first time, the spray must be primed. Press the pump down 4 times. If the spray is not used for 1 week, prime the pump again by pressing once.
  • Gently blow your nose before using the spray. Tilt your head back slightly and insert the tip of the nose piece into your nostril.
  • Close the opposite nostril with a finger. Release one spray and breathe in gently at the same time.
  • Hold your breath for a few seconds then breathe out slowly through the mouth.
  • If a second dose is needed, spray the opposite nostril using the same steps.
  • Do not blow your nose or tip your head back after using the spray.
  • Wipe the tip of the bottle with a clean, dry tissue and replace the cap.
  • Throw away any unused medicine after 25 sprays (Stimate®) or 50 sprays (DDAVP® or desmopressin generic).

To use the DDAVP® Rhinal Tube nasal system:

  • The rhinal tube applicator is a soft, flexible plastic tube with numbers printed on the side. The numbers represent the dose.
  • Place the correct amount of medicine in the tube by inserting the tip of the container in the end of the tube that is marked with an arrow.
  • Put the end of the tube that is marked with an arrow into one nostril and put the other end into your mouth.
  • Hold your breath, tilt the head back, and blow with a short, strong puff until all the medicine is sprayed into the nose.
  • Do not let medicine run into your throat.
  • For young children, an adult must blow the medicine into the nose.
  • Wash the tube with water and shake it to remove all of the water.
  • Put the seal back on the container tip and replace the plastic cap.

To use the Noctiva™ nasal spray:

  • When used for the first time, the spray must be primed. Press the pump down 5 times. If the spray is not used for more than 3 days, prime the pump again by pressing 2 times.
  • Do not shake the bottle.
  • Gently blow your nose before using the spray. Tilt your head back slightly and insert the nasal applicator into your left or right nostril.
  • Close the opposite nostril with a finger. Release one spray and breathe in gently at the same time.
  • Wipe the nasal applicator with a clean, dry tissue and replace the cap.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For nasal dosage form (nasal spray):
    • For treatment of central diabetes insipidus:
      • DDAVP®:
        • Adults—10 micrograms (mcg) given into one nostril. Your doctor may increase your dose up to 40 mcg divided into 2 or 3 doses per day.
        • Children 4 years of age and older—At first, 10 mcg once a day into one nostril. Your doctor may increase the dose up to 30 mcg given once a day or divided into 2 doses (20 mcg in the morning and 10 mcg at nighttime).
        • Children younger than 4 years of age—Use is not recommended.
      • Desmopressin acetate:
        • Adults and children 13 years of age and older—0.1 to 0.4 milliliter (mL) given as a single dose or divided into 2 or 3 doses per day. The dose is given in one nostril or divided and given in both nostrils. Your doctor may adjust the dose as needed.
        • Children 3 months to 12 years of age—0.05 to 0.3 mL given as a single dose or divided into 2 doses per day. The dose is given in one nostril or divided and given in both nostrils. Your doctor may adjust the dose as needed.
        • Children younger than 3 months of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For treatment of hemophilia A or won Willebrand disease:
      • Adults and children 13 years of age and older—One spray (0.1 milliliter) in each nostril as a single dose per day. Your doctor may adjust the dose as needed.
      • Children 11 months to 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • Children younger than 11 months of age—Use is not recommended.
    • For treatment of nocturnal polyuria:
      • Adults younger than 65 years of age who are not at increased risk for hyponatremia—One spray (1.66 micrograms [mcg]) in either left or right nostril 30 minutes before going to bed.
      • Older adults 65 years of age or older—At first, one spray (0.83 mcg) in either left or right nostril 30 minutes before going to bed. After 7 days, your doctor will increase your dose to 1.66 mcg as needed.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

If you miss a dose of Noctiva™, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

DDAVP® or desmopressin generic: Store at room temperature in an upright position.

DDAVP® Rhinal Tube System: Store in the refrigerator in an upright position. For travelers, the product is good for up to 3 weeks at room temperature.

Stimate®: Store at room temperature in an upright position. Throw the bottle away 6 months after it is used for the first time.

Noctiva™: Keep the unopened nasal spray bottle in the refrigerator in an upright position. You may store the opened bottle at room temperature. Throw away 60 days after opening.

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