Abstract

The logical treatment for vasopressin-sensitive diabetes insipidus is hormone replacement. Until recently this has posed problems. Pitressin tannate in oil, now no longer manufactured, was an impure extract from animal pituitaries; the injections were painful and inconvenient, and tended to stimulate smooth muscle causing colic and other unpleasant effects. Lypressin (lysine vasopressin; Syntopressin - Sandoz) is a synthetic compound without these unwanted effects, but its action is very brief so that frequent doses are needed.