Minirin
Minirin - Action of :
The active component of Minirin is desmopressin, which is a chemical related to a natural hormone called antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or vasopressin. This is produced by the pituitary gland of the body. ADH has two main effects on the body. Firstly, it acts on particular receptors in the kidneys causing them to retain water in the body, by preventing excessive loss of water in the urine. Secondly, ADH causes narrowing of blood vessels (vasoconstriction), thereby limiting blood flow to a particular area of the body. In diabetes insipidus, there is a reduction in the function of ADH resulting in more water being lost from the body through urine. This results in the production of large amounts of dilute urine. Desmopressin is used in the treatment of this disorder as it acts on the ADH receptors in the kidneys, mimics the effects of ADH, and therefore prevents dehydration caused by excessive loss of water. As desmopressin reduces the production of large amounts of urine, it is also useful in treating bedwetting and the passage of urine at night. Desmopressin is also used to prevent bleeding in blood clotting disorders such as haemophilia, as it increases substances in the blood that are responsible for blood clotting.
Minirin - Details