Desmopressin 25 and 50 μg oral lyophilisates (Noqdirna®; Nocdurna®) in nocturia due to nocturnal polyuria in adults: a profile of its use

Abstract

Desmopressin 25 and 50 μg oral lyophilisates (hereafter Noqdirna®/Nocdurna®) are a new rapid-dispersing formulation of desmopressin that is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of nocturia due to nocturnal polyuria in adults of all ages. Noqdirna®/Nocdurna® is administered by placing the lyophilisate under the tongue until it dissolves, and provides greater absorption and bioavailability, as well as a more predictable pharmacokinetic profile, than standard oral desmopressin tablets, allowing lower desmopressin dosages to be used to achieve the same clinical outcomes. As responses to desmopressin differ by gender, dosages of Noqdirna®/Nocdurna® are also gender specific (25 μg in women and 50 μg in men). These dosages effectively reduced the number of nocturnal voids and increased the time to first nocturnal void in patients with nocturia, leading to improvements in sleep and nocturia-related quality of life. The use of desmopressin is associated with a risk of hyponatraemia; however, the risk is lower when lower dosages, such as 25 and 50 μg, are used. To further reduce the risk of hyponatraemia, gender-specific dosages of Noqdirna®/Nocdurna® should be used and serum sodium levels monitored appropriately before and during treatment.