Minirin 120mcg Oral Lyophilisate

Minirin 120mcg Oral Lyophilisate contains desmopressin 120mcg, a synthetic analogue of the natural hormone vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone), supplied as an oral lyophilisate that dissolves on the tongue without needing water. It is used to treat central diabetes insipidus, nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting), and nocturia (excessive night-time urination) due to nocturnal polyuria.

Desmopressin acts on vasopressin V2 receptors in the kidney’s collecting ducts, increasing water reabsorption back into the body. This concentrates the urine and reduces urine volume, correcting the excessive water loss seen in diabetes insipidus and reducing the amount of urine produced overnight in nocturia or bedwetting.

Desmopressin selectively activates vasopressin V2 receptors on cells lining the kidney’s collecting ducts, causing water channels (aquaporins) to be inserted into the cell membrane. This allows more water to be reabsorbed from the urine back into the bloodstream, producing more concentrated urine in a smaller volume, without the blood-vessel-constricting effects seen with natural vasopressin at higher doses.

Place the Minirin 120mcg Oral Lyophilisate lyophilisate on top of the tongue, where it will dissolve rapidly without needing water; do not push it out with your finger or chew it. Take at the time of day advised by your doctor. Avoid drinking large amounts of fluid around the time of dosing, as your doctor will advise, since drinking excessively while the medicine is reducing urine output can lead to fluid overload and low blood sodium.

The dose of Minirin 120mcg Oral Lyophilisate is individualised by your doctor according to your condition, age, and response, typically starting at a low dose taken once or more times daily and adjusted based on your urine output and fluid balance. Never change your dose or dosing schedule without your doctor’s advice.

Use this product before the expiry date stated on the packaging. Do not use the medicine if the expiry date has passed.

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.

• Known hypersensitivity to desmopressin or any ingredient in this product
• Habitual or psychogenic polydipsia (drinking excessive fluids not due to true thirst)
• Moderate to severe kidney impairment
• Low blood sodium (hyponatraemia) or conditions predisposing to fluid/electrolyte imbalance, including uncontrolled heart failure requiring diuretics
• Known or suspected syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)

• NSAIDs may enhance the antidiuretic effect and increase the risk of fluid retention and low blood sodium
• Medicines that increase the body’s own antidiuretic hormone activity, such as certain antidepressants (tricyclics, SSRIs) and chlorpromazine, can increase the risk of water retention when combined
• Loperamide may increase desmopressin blood levels when taken with the oral formulation
• Excessive fluid intake around dosing times increases the risk of water retention and low blood sodium

• Limit fluid intake around the time you take your dose, exactly as your doctor advises
• Let the lyophilisate dissolve on your tongue rather than swallowing it whole with water
• Seek medical advice promptly if you develop unusual headache, confusion, or persistent vomiting
• Keep to your doctor’s prescribed dosing schedule and do not adjust it yourself
• Tell your doctor if you develop a fever, vomiting, or diarrhoea, as fluid balance can be affected
• Attend follow-up appointments so your doctor can monitor your response and blood sodium if needed