The Use of Desmopressin (DDAVP) in Nocturna Urinary Frequency in the Female

Twenty-five patients complaining of nocturia completed a double-blind cross-over trial using desmopressin (DDAVP) and placebo. All had failed to respond to treatment with antispasmodic agents and evening fluid restriction. The drugs were given as a single intranasal dose on retiring. Nocturnal urinary frequency was reduced from a mean of 3.2 episodes to 2.6 with placebo and 1.9 with DDAVP (0.01 greater than P greater than 0.001). Diurnal urinary symptoms were not significantly affected and side effects were minimal. This drug seems to have a place in the treatment of nocturia, where more conventional therapies have failed.