Abstract

Joseph Babu Alakkal*

ABSTRACT

Diabetes insipidus brought on by drugs is usually nephrogenic, meaning the kidneys are not responding to the effects of antidiuretic hormone. This syndrome can be easily identified by administering a modified antidiuretic hormone, desmopressin, to establish renal unresponsiveness, or by measuring urine concentrating capacity during a thirst test (e.g., 12 hours of water restriction). Except for people undergoing lithium salt medication for affective disorders, where it may affect roughly 10% of patients treated for a lengthy period of time (15 years), drug-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is not a frequent condition. Critically sick patients in intensive care units who are taking a variety of medications, mostly cytostatics and antimicrobials, are typically the ones that develop drug-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Lithium is the most important cause of drug induced nephrogenic diabetic insipidus. Most studies showed people respond well to treatment, and the offending substance should be discontinued. Treatment with thiazides and amiloride has been recommended if urine volumes above 4 L per day.