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Urinary and Genital Disorders (Children)

Timeframe for DDAVP effectiveness

09/16/1998

Question:

MY 9 YEAR-OLD SON HAS BEEN GIVEN A PRESCRIPTION FOR DDAVP FOR HIS BEDWETTING PROBLEM. HE TAKES 3 SQUIRTS OF THE NASAL SPRAY EACH NIGHT. HE STARTED THE TREATMENT ON 9/10/98. IS IT SUPPOSED TO WORK IMMEDIATELY, OR DOES IT TAKE SOME TIME TO BE EFFECTIVE? HE HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM ALL OF HIS LIFE. HE HAS BEEN EXAMINED BY A SPECIALIST. IT SEEMS TO BE DUE TO HIM BEING A VERY DEEP SLEEPER.

Answer:

DDAVP helps in some children in reducing the number of wet nights. It doesn't "cure" the problem but often helps in increasing dry nights. There are some data that suggest that this form of therapy may be more beneficial in children over 10 years of age. When it works, the improvement is seen relatively soon. When DDAVP is used, parents should still limit fluids after supper and have the child urinate immediately prior to going to bed. There is a new tablet form of DDAVP which may be easier to use than the spray and does not lead to nose bleeds or irritation. Most children who wet the bed are deep sleepers, like your son. The most effective treatment for bedwetting is a special type of night time alarm system. Unfortunately if a child is a deep sleeper, the alarm may not awaken the child.

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Response by:

The Ohio State University Rama Jayanthi, MD
Pediatric Urologist
Section of Pediatric Urology
Nationwide Children's Hospital
The Ohio State University
Rama Jayanthi, MD