Treatment
The cause of the underlying condition should be treated when possible.
Central diabetes insipidus may be controlled with vasopressin (desmopressin, DDAVP). You take vasopressin as either a nasal spray or tablets.
If nephrogenic DI is caused by medication (for example, lithium), stopping the medication may help restore normal kidney function. However, after many years of lithium use, the nephrogenic DI may be permanent.
Hereditary nephrogenic DI and lithium-induced nephrogenic DI are treated by drinking enough fluids to match urine output and with drugs that lower urine output. Drugs used to treat nephrogenic DI include:
- Anti-inflammatory medication (indomethacin)
- Diuretics [hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and amiloride]
Prognosis (Expectations)
The outcome depends on the underlying disorder. If treated, diabetes insipidus does not cause severe problems or reduce life expectancy.
Complications
If thirst mechanisms are normal and you drink enough fluids, there are no significant effects on body fluid or salt balance.
Not drinking enough fluids can lead to the following complications:
- Dehydration
- Dry skin
- Dry mucus membranes
- Fever
- Rapid heart rate
- Sunken appearance to eyes
- Sunken fontanelles (soft spot) in infants
- Unintentional weight loss
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Fatigue, lethargy
- Headache
- Irritability
- Muscle pains
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of diabetes insipidus.
If you have diabetes insipidus, contact your health care provider if frequent urination or extreme thirst return.
-
Diabetes insipidus : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
-
Diabetes insipidus : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
-
Diabetes insipidus : Treatment
Review Date : 3/5/2010
Reviewed By : A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Parul Patel, MD, Private Practice specializing in Nephrology and Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation, Affiliated with California Pacific Medical Center, Department of Transplantation, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (10/14/2009).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only — they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2010 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
