FED: Bed-wetting nose spray linked to convulsions in kids

AAP General News (Australia)
08-02-2008
FED: Bed-wetting nose spray linked to convulsions in kids

Authorities say a nasal spray designed to stop bed-wetting has triggered seizures in
more than a dozen Australians .. including seven children.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration says it's received 68 reports of adverse reactions
linked to the drug .. desmopressin .. which is used to limit urination in children ..

and after injury and surgery.

There were 17 reports of convulsions and a further 10 of hyponatremia .. a condition
of dangerously low salt levels in the blood.

The drug's also sold in oral tablet form .. but the TGA say the side-effects are mostly
seen with the the nasal spray formula.

The authority says the product won't be removed from sale .. but is warning doctors
to prescribe the product only when a bed-wetting alarm device has failed to work.

AAP RTV tam/af/ibw/wz/fdf

KEYWORD: WETTING (SYDNEY)

2008 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.