An Introduction to Treating Diabetes Insipidus
A specialist should determine which form of diabetes insipidus is present before starting any treatment.
Central Diabetes Insipidus
Central diabetes insipidus is caused by damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. Central diabetes insipidus treatment usually involves a synthetic hormone called desmopressin that can be taken as an injection, a nasal spray, or a pill.
While taking desmopressin to treat central diabetes insipidus, you should drink fluids or water only when you are thirsty and not at other times. This is because the drug prevents water excretion, and water can build up now that your kidneys are making less urine and are less responsive to changes in body fluids.
Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus
Treatment for nephrogenic diabetes insipidus often begins with
hydrochlorothiazide (also called
HCTZ) or
indomethacin. HCTZ is sometimes combined with another drug called
amiloride. The combination of HCTZ and amiloride is sold under the brand name
Moduretic®. Again, with this combination of drugs, you should drink fluids only when you are thirsty and not at other times.
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