Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Minirin (Desmopressin). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Minirin (Desmopressin) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• flushing or redness of skin
• headache
• nasal congestion
• runny nose
• stomach cramps
• upset stomach (nausea)

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• confusion
• flushing
• headache (continuing)
• nausea
• vomiting
• weight gain

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• seizures

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Minirin (Desmopressin).

Do not take Minirin (Desmopressin) tablets if you:

• are allergic to Minirin (Desmopressin) or any ingredients of the medication
• have low blood sodium levels, severe liver disease, impaired kidney function, heart failure or adrenal problems
• have conditions leading to low sodium in the blood (e.g., bulimia, anorexia nervosa, chronic vomiting, Diarrhea, and adrenal impairment)
• have type IIB or platelet type (pseudo) von Willebrand's disease

There may be an interaction between Minirin (Desmopressin) and any of the following:

• Carbamazepine
• Chlorpromazine
• clofibrate
• diuretics or "water pills" (e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide)
• Lamotrigine
• lithium
• Loperamide
• narcotic pain relievers (e.g., Codeine, Fentanyl, Morphine, Oxycodone)
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs; e.g., Diclofenac, Celecoxib, Ibuprofen, Naproxen)
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline, Fluvoxamine, Citalopram)
• Tolvaptan
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline)

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Blood pressure: Minirin (Desmopressin) may occasionally cause increases in blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure or heart disease, discuss with your doctor how Minirin (Desmopressin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed

Cystic Fibrosis: People with cystic fibrosis are more likely to experience low levels of sodium in the body. This can lead to increased side effects with Minirin (Desmopressin). If you have cystic fibrosis, discuss with your doctor how Minirin (Desmopressin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Minirin (Desmopressin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Fluid and electrolyte balance: Fluid intake should be adjusted in order to reduce the possibility of water retention and low levels of sodium in the blood, especially for very young people and for seniors. People who are dehydrated should wait until their water balance has been adequately restored before taking Minirin (Desmopressin). Seniors should be closely observed for possible water retention and low sodium in the blood due to excessive fluid intake. Talk to your doctor about adjusting the amount of fluid intake that is right for you. For control of nighttime urination, a restricted fluid intake is recommended a few hours before using Minirin (Desmopressin).

Lactose intolerance: The regular tablet form of Minirin (Desmopressin) contains lactose. If you have galactose intolerance (galactosemia, glucose-galactose malabsorption, or Lapp lactase deficiency) you should not take this formulation. The sublingual tablet formulation does not contain lactose.

Medical conditions: Minirin (Desmopressin) is not effective in controlling excessive urination caused by Kidney Disease, diabetes, psychosomatic conditions, low blood potassium, or high blood calcium.

Short-term illnesses: Many short-term illnesses such as Fever, infections and stomach irritation can cause dehydration. This dehydration may cause complications with the use of Minirin (Desmopressin). Talk to your doctor about how to manage your Minirin (Desmopressin) treatment if you develop a short-term illness.

Tolerance: There are reports of changes in response over time, usually when the medication has been used for periods longer than 6 months. Some people may experience decreased responsiveness, while others may experience a shortened duration of effect.

Urinary tract problems: If you have severe bladder or voiding problems, the way your body gets rid of excess water or sodium may be impaired. Discuss with your doctor how Minirin (Desmopressin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Minirin (Desmopressin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pregnancy: Minirin (Desmopressin) has been used during pregnancy with no harm reported. However, no controlled studies have been done on its use by pregnant women. Minirin (Desmopressin) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Minirin (Desmopressin) from Minirin (Desmopressin) tablets passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Minirin (Desmopressin), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: Children are more likely to experience low sodium levels and fluid build up as a result of consuming too much fluid. Your child’s doctor should closely monitor fluid and sodium levels while your child is taking Minirin (Desmopressin).  

Seniors: Seniors are more likely to experience low sodium levels and fluid build up as a result of consuming too much fluid or decreased kidney function. Your doctor should closely monitor your condition while you are taking Minirin (Desmopressin).