Rx for Frequent Nighttime Urination Approved

(RxWiki News) The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its first treatment for adults who experience nighttime urine overproduction that leads to waking during the night to urinate. 

The treatment is called Noctiva, and its active ingredient is desmopressin acetate. It was approved to treat adults with nocturnal polyuria that leads to waking up at least two times per night. 

Nocturia is the medical term to describe waking up at night to urinate. A variety of factors, such as congestive heart failure, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and certain medications, can cause it.

Before considering Noctiva, your health care provider will treat the underlying condition causing the nighttime urination.

Noctiva is available as a nasal spray and is to be administered around 30 minutes before bed. This medication works by increasing the kidney’s absorption of water, according to the FDA.

Common side effects may include nasal discomfort, cold symptoms, nasal congestion and sneezing. 

Desmopressin acetate nasal spray holds a boxed warning regarding the risk for very low sodium levels. Too little sodium in the body can be dangerous. If you are taking this medication, your health care provider will monitor your sodium levels.

This medication may not be safe for everyone. Desmopressin acetate nasal spray is not recommended for pregnant women, children, or those with congestive heart failure or uncontrolled high blood pressure. Also, patients shouldn’t use Noctiva while they have a cold or allergies.

Serenity Pharmaceuticals manufactures Noctiva.