Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypes of Diabetes Insipidus MedicationMedication for Central and Gestational DIMedication for Nephrogenic DIMedication for Dipsogenic DIOther Medications and TherapiesSide EffectsSupportive CareDiabetes Insipidus vs. Diabetes MellitusResources and Support
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types of Diabetes Insipidus Medication
Medication for Central and Gestational DI
Medication for Nephrogenic DI
Medication for Dipsogenic DI
Other Medications and Therapies
Side Effects
Supportive Care
Diabetes Insipidus vs. Diabetes Mellitus
Resources and Support
Diabetes insipidus(DI) is a rare disorder of the endocrine system (relating to the glands in your body that produce hormones). DI occurs when the body encounters challenges in either producing or responding to theantidiuretic hormone(ADH), also known asvasopressin.
The main symptoms of DI are extreme thirst and excessive dilute (colorless) urine. These can quickly lead to dehydration.
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The type of diabetes insipidus medication you use depends on which of the four main types of DI you have. These DI types include the following:
Read on for an overview of the medications commonly prescribed for DI management.
Medication for Central Diabetes Insipidus and Gestational Diabetes Insipidus
Central DIis the most common type of diabetes insipidus. It occurs when the body doesn’t make enough ADH, usually as a result of something like an infection, tumor, ortraumatic brain injury (TBI).
Gestational DIcan occur during pregnancy. It’s a temporary condition in which an enzyme in the placenta breaks down ADH faster than the body can make it.Gestational DI typically begins in the third trimester and goes away on its own about a month after delivery.
The diabetes insipidus medication for both central and gestational DI isdesmopressin(DDAVP). DDAVP is a synthetic (as in made in a lab) version of the hormone ADH.
DDAVP mimics the role of ADH in the body, meaning it signals the kidneys to reabsorb water so that the body produces less urine.
DDAVP reduces the amount of urine produced more than ADH does, and its effects last longer.
Desmopressin Dosage
DDAVP is available in several dosage forms, such as the following:
If you use DDAVP nasal spray or tablets, you’ll start to produce less urine within an hour or two.Effects may last anywhere from six to 18 hours.
Some people with central DI also take thiazide diuretics.Read on for more details about this drug class below.
Medication for Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus
NephrogenicDIoccurs when the kidney doesn’t respond to ADH and cannot concentrate urine.
Common causes of this type of DI in adults include:
Keep in mind that thiazide diuretics are also an option for central DI.
Thiazide Dosage
Thiazide medicines and dosages used for nephrogenic DI are:
Thiazide Side Effects
Side effects of thiazide diuretics include low potassium levels and low blood volume in the body (hypovolemia).
Medication for Dipsogenic Diabetes Insipidus
Dipsogenic DI is primarily treated with behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes, not medication.
Interventions that can help manage dipsogenic DI include:
Mental health medications, including antipsychotics and antidepressants, are sometimes taken to help people drink less water and prevent low sodium levels in the body. Some of the medications taken for these concerns include the following:
Alternative treatments and adjunct therapies that may help manage DI include:
Diabetes Insipidus Medication Side Effects
There are some significant side effects to be aware of if you are prescribed a medication for DI. These potential side effects include:
Make sure you manage any side effects under healthcare supervision. This will help ensure optimal safety and maximize your therapy.
Supportive Care When Taking Diabetes Insipidus Medication
Supportive care may look different depending on which type of DI you have.
For example, techniques to help managecentral DIinclude:
Supportive measures fornephrogenic DIinclude:
Though their names are similar, diabetes insipidus (DI) anddiabetes mellitus(DM) are unrelated conditions.
As mentioned, DI arises when the body has challenges in either producing or responding to ADH. ADH is a small hormone made in the brain that prevents thekidneyfrom releasing too much urine and maintains the body’s water balance.
DM occurs when the body has challenges regulating blood sugar. This can happen when it doesn’t produce enough of the hormone insulin, the body can’t use it properly, or both.
People with DI have normal blood sugar levels, but the kidneys don’t concentrate urine like they should.For the most part, DI can’t be prevented, although some medications make it more likely.
On the other hand, people with DM havehigh blood sugar(glucose) levels, and some glucose enters the urine.The following can reduce the risk of type 2 DM:
If you tell someone you have diabetes, they’ll probably assume you have DM unless you specify DI.
If you are diagnosed with DI, know that you’re not alone.
Check out resources about DI from these reputable sources:
You’ll find educational materials and online support communities to help empower you on your journey with DI. These resources can also help you stay up to date with the latest research and stay informed about advancements in DI management.
Summary
DI is a condition that results from problems with the hormone ADH. Its main symptoms are extreme thirst and excessive amounts of colorless urine.
Treatment strategies depend on the cause of DI. The drug of choice for central and gestational DI is an artificial form of ADH called desmopressin (DDAVP). Nephrogenic DI is typically treated with thiazide diuretics like HCTZ.
Potential side effects of DI medications include electrolyte imbalances, fluid retention, and allergic reactions.
Although DI is a rare condition, remember that there are resources and support groups to help you every step of the way.
17 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Priya G, Kalra S, Dasgupta A, et al.Diabetes insipidus: a pragmatic approach to management.Cureus. 2021;13(1):e12498. Published 2021 Jan 5. doi:10.7759/cureus.12498Mutter CM, Smith T, Menze O, et al.Diabetes insipidus: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and clinical management.Cureus. 2021;13(2):e13523. Published 2021 Feb 23. doi:10.7759/cureus.13523Banday MZ, Sameer AS, Nissar S.Pathophysiology of diabetes: an overview.Avicenna J Med. 2020;10(4):174-188. Published 2020 Oct 13. doi:10.4103/ajm.ajm_53_20U.S. Food and Drug Administration.DDAVP (desmopressin acetate) injection prescribing information.Carraro A, Fano M, Cuttica M, et al.Long-term treatment of central diabetes insipidus with oral DDAVP.Minerva Endocrinol. 1992;17(4):189-193.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.DDAVP (desmopressin acetate) nasal spray prescribing information.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.DESMOPRESSIN ACETATE tablets prescribing information.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diabetes insipidus.Garrahy A, Thompson CJ.Management of central diabetes insipidus.Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2020;34(5):101385. doi:10.1016/j.beem.2020.101385Teare H, Argente J, Dattani M, et al.Challenges and improvement needs in the care of patients with central diabetes insipidus.Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2022;17(1):58. Published 2022 Feb 16. doi:10.1186/s13023-022-02191-2Wu P, Liu Z, Jiang X, Fang H.An overview of prospective drugs for type 1 and type 2 diabetes.Curr Drug Targets. 2020;21(5):445-457. doi:10.2174/1389450120666191031104653Weber MB, Hassan S, Quarells R, et al.Prevention of type 2 diabetes.Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2021;50(3):387-400. doi:10.1016/j.ecl.2021.05.003Endocrine Society.Diabetes insipidus.The Pituitary Foundation.AVP deficiency (diabetes insipidus).National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus (NDI) Foundation.Home page.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Home page.
17 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Priya G, Kalra S, Dasgupta A, et al.Diabetes insipidus: a pragmatic approach to management.Cureus. 2021;13(1):e12498. Published 2021 Jan 5. doi:10.7759/cureus.12498Mutter CM, Smith T, Menze O, et al.Diabetes insipidus: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and clinical management.Cureus. 2021;13(2):e13523. Published 2021 Feb 23. doi:10.7759/cureus.13523Banday MZ, Sameer AS, Nissar S.Pathophysiology of diabetes: an overview.Avicenna J Med. 2020;10(4):174-188. Published 2020 Oct 13. doi:10.4103/ajm.ajm_53_20U.S. Food and Drug Administration.DDAVP (desmopressin acetate) injection prescribing information.Carraro A, Fano M, Cuttica M, et al.Long-term treatment of central diabetes insipidus with oral DDAVP.Minerva Endocrinol. 1992;17(4):189-193.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.DDAVP (desmopressin acetate) nasal spray prescribing information.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.DESMOPRESSIN ACETATE tablets prescribing information.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diabetes insipidus.Garrahy A, Thompson CJ.Management of central diabetes insipidus.Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2020;34(5):101385. doi:10.1016/j.beem.2020.101385Teare H, Argente J, Dattani M, et al.Challenges and improvement needs in the care of patients with central diabetes insipidus.Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2022;17(1):58. Published 2022 Feb 16. doi:10.1186/s13023-022-02191-2Wu P, Liu Z, Jiang X, Fang H.An overview of prospective drugs for type 1 and type 2 diabetes.Curr Drug Targets. 2020;21(5):445-457. doi:10.2174/1389450120666191031104653Weber MB, Hassan S, Quarells R, et al.Prevention of type 2 diabetes.Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2021;50(3):387-400. doi:10.1016/j.ecl.2021.05.003Endocrine Society.Diabetes insipidus.The Pituitary Foundation.AVP deficiency (diabetes insipidus).National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus (NDI) Foundation.Home page.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Home page.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Priya G, Kalra S, Dasgupta A, et al.Diabetes insipidus: a pragmatic approach to management.Cureus. 2021;13(1):e12498. Published 2021 Jan 5. doi:10.7759/cureus.12498Mutter CM, Smith T, Menze O, et al.Diabetes insipidus: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and clinical management.Cureus. 2021;13(2):e13523. Published 2021 Feb 23. doi:10.7759/cureus.13523Banday MZ, Sameer AS, Nissar S.Pathophysiology of diabetes: an overview.Avicenna J Med. 2020;10(4):174-188. Published 2020 Oct 13. doi:10.4103/ajm.ajm_53_20U.S. Food and Drug Administration.DDAVP (desmopressin acetate) injection prescribing information.Carraro A, Fano M, Cuttica M, et al.Long-term treatment of central diabetes insipidus with oral DDAVP.Minerva Endocrinol. 1992;17(4):189-193.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.DDAVP (desmopressin acetate) nasal spray prescribing information.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.DESMOPRESSIN ACETATE tablets prescribing information.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diabetes insipidus.Garrahy A, Thompson CJ.Management of central diabetes insipidus.Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2020;34(5):101385. doi:10.1016/j.beem.2020.101385Teare H, Argente J, Dattani M, et al.Challenges and improvement needs in the care of patients with central diabetes insipidus.Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2022;17(1):58. Published 2022 Feb 16. doi:10.1186/s13023-022-02191-2Wu P, Liu Z, Jiang X, Fang H.An overview of prospective drugs for type 1 and type 2 diabetes.Curr Drug Targets. 2020;21(5):445-457. doi:10.2174/1389450120666191031104653Weber MB, Hassan S, Quarells R, et al.Prevention of type 2 diabetes.Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2021;50(3):387-400. doi:10.1016/j.ecl.2021.05.003Endocrine Society.Diabetes insipidus.The Pituitary Foundation.AVP deficiency (diabetes insipidus).National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus (NDI) Foundation.Home page.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Home page.
Priya G, Kalra S, Dasgupta A, et al.Diabetes insipidus: a pragmatic approach to management.Cureus. 2021;13(1):e12498. Published 2021 Jan 5. doi:10.7759/cureus.12498
Mutter CM, Smith T, Menze O, et al.Diabetes insipidus: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and clinical management.Cureus. 2021;13(2):e13523. Published 2021 Feb 23. doi:10.7759/cureus.13523
Banday MZ, Sameer AS, Nissar S.Pathophysiology of diabetes: an overview.Avicenna J Med. 2020;10(4):174-188. Published 2020 Oct 13. doi:10.4103/ajm.ajm_53_20
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.DDAVP (desmopressin acetate) injection prescribing information.
Carraro A, Fano M, Cuttica M, et al.Long-term treatment of central diabetes insipidus with oral DDAVP.Minerva Endocrinol. 1992;17(4):189-193.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.DDAVP (desmopressin acetate) nasal spray prescribing information.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.DESMOPRESSIN ACETATE tablets prescribing information.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diabetes insipidus.
Garrahy A, Thompson CJ.Management of central diabetes insipidus.Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2020;34(5):101385. doi:10.1016/j.beem.2020.101385
Teare H, Argente J, Dattani M, et al.Challenges and improvement needs in the care of patients with central diabetes insipidus.Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2022;17(1):58. Published 2022 Feb 16. doi:10.1186/s13023-022-02191-2
Wu P, Liu Z, Jiang X, Fang H.An overview of prospective drugs for type 1 and type 2 diabetes.Curr Drug Targets. 2020;21(5):445-457. doi:10.2174/1389450120666191031104653
Weber MB, Hassan S, Quarells R, et al.Prevention of type 2 diabetes.Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2021;50(3):387-400. doi:10.1016/j.ecl.2021.05.003
Endocrine Society.Diabetes insipidus.
The Pituitary Foundation.AVP deficiency (diabetes insipidus).
National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.
Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus (NDI) Foundation.Home page.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Home page.
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