Evaluation of a Synthetic Vasopressin Analogue for Treatment of Nocturia in Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy

A double-blind study of nocturia due to benign prostatic hypertrophy is reported. The 21 patients received 0.2 ml of an antidiuretic hormone analogue, desamino-D-arginine vasopressin (Minirin) intranasally prior to evening bedtime. Though the frequency of nocturnal micturition fell in 13 patients, only 7 were considered to give a good clinical response. This drug can be tried in patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy if nocturia is distressing and the patient is unsuitable or disinclined for surgery.