Desmopressin for nocturia in adults

Desmopressin has been used for many years in the treatment of diabetes insipidus, nocturnal enuresis (involuntary urination while asleep) and nocturia associated with multiple sclerosis (in adults aged up to 65 years); it has also been recommended in certain circumstances for the treatment of nocturia in men and women (previously, an unlicensed use).1,2 Recently, a new brand of desmopressin sublingual tablet (lyophilisate—an orally disintegrating tablet; Noqdirna–Ferring) has been licensed for use in adults of any age for the treatment of nocturia due to idiopathic nocturnal polyuria.3,4 The tablets contain a lower dose of desmopressin than was previously available. Unusually, there are different recommended doses for men and women. In this article, we consider the evidence on desmopressin in the treatment of idiopathic nocturnal polyuria in adults, and how this new formulation fits with current management strategies.