vasopressin

Patient/Family Teaching

• Instruct patient to take medication as directed. Caution patient not to use more than prescribed amount. Take missed doses as soon as remembered, unless almost time for next dose.

• Advise patient to drink 1–2 glasses of water at time of administration to minimize side effects (blanching of skin, abdominal cramps, nausea). Inform patient that these side effects are not serious and usually disappear in a few minutes.

• Caution patient to avoid concurrent use of alcohol while taking vasopressin.

• Patients with diabetes insipidus should carry identification at all times describing disease process and medication regimen.