Diabetes insipidus is a condition where the kidneys create large amounts of dilute urine. The kidneys are unable to properly manage water levels in the body, which leads to increased water consumption, according to MayoClinic.com. The substance antidiuretic hormone manages the concentration of the urine through its effect on the kidneys. Diabetes insipidus may be caused by problems in the production or release of the antidiuretic hormone or by problems with the kidneys' inability to react to the antidiuretic hormone that is present. Some cases of diabetes insipidus are caused by medications; typically these cases involve damage to the kidney from the medication.
Lithium
Doctors prescribe lithium as a treatment for manic-depressive disorder. About 25 percent of patients who take lithium for a long time develop diabetes insipidus, according to The Diabetes Insipidus Foundation. Lithium changes the way that the kidney responds to antidiuretic hormone, which leads to an increased production of urine. The diabetes typically resolves after discontinuation of the medication, although it may take some time; however, in some patients, the condition may be permanent.
Methoxyflurane
The anesthetic methoxyflurane can also cause diabetes insipidus in some patients, according to Lewis R. Goldfrank and Neal Flomenbaum in "Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies." The fluoride from the metabolism of the anesthetic could cause damage to the kidney and cause the diabetes insipidus. Methoxyflurane is not used in surgery anymore.
Tetracycline Antibiotics
A tetracycline antibiotic called demeclocycline may cause diabetes insipidus as well. Physicians prescribe this medication to treat bacterial infections. Increased urination and increased water consumption has been seen in some patients on long-term demeclocycline therapy, according to Provider Synergies. This condition is based on the amount of the antibiotic taken and is typically reversed after the medication is discontinued.
Ifosfamide
Ifosfamide is an anti-tumor medication that can be used to treat testicular cancer, cervical cancer and malignant lymphomas, according to Michael Clinton Perry in the 2008 "Chemotherapy Source Book." This medication can cause diabetes insipidus by damaging a portion of the kidney that causes the production of increased amounts of dilute urine. Breaking up the dosage of this medication may lower the risk of this condition, but a few patients have still developed diabetes insipidus even with the moderated dose.
References
- The Diabetes Insipidus Foundation: What is NDI?
- "The Chemotherapy Source Book;" Michael Clinton Perry; 2008
- The Diabetes Insipidus Foundation: About Lithium NDI
- "Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies;" Lewis R. Goldfrank, Neal Flomenbaum; 2006
- Provider Synergies: Tetracyclines, Oral Review
