Javascript is not enabled.

Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.

Skip to content
Content starts here
CLOSE ×

Search

Leaving AARP.org Website

You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.

Control Nighttime Peeing

FDA approves drug to reduce trips to the bathroom

spinner image FDA Approves No-Pee Drug
The nasal spray is used daily about 30 minutes before bedtime.
Stephen Swintek/Getty Images

U.S. regulators have approved the first drug to reduce nighttime trips to the bathroom. The treatment is a nasal spray intended for adults who wake up at least twice a night to urinate.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said the spray, called Noctiva , is not approved to treat all causes of frequent nighttime urination, so doctors must determine the cause and best treatment for each person. Noctiva is approved specifically for a common condition caused by such issues as chronic heart failure, poorly controlled diabetes, and bladder and prostate problems, as well as some medications.

spinner image Image Alt Attribute

AARP Membership— $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal

Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.

Join Now

The nasal spray is used daily about 30 minutes before bedtime. It works by making the kidneys absorb more water, which reduces the amount of urine.

Noctiva carries the FDA's strongest warning, a so-called black box, because the drug can cause dangerously low levels of sodium in the blood. Other side effects include colds, bronchitis, increased blood pressure, dizziness, back pain and nosebleeds. Before using the spray, patients must undergo testing to confirm they produce excess urine at night.

The treatment was tested for three months in about 1,000 people 50 and older with the condition, called nocturnal polyuria. The half who used Noctiva had more nights with one or no trips to the bathroom than the group who got a dummy nasal spray, according to the FDA.

The FDA said the nasal spray version is the first approved treatment for frequent nighttime urination.

Discover AARP Members Only Access

Join AARP to Continue

Already a Member?

spinner image membership-card-w-shadow-192x134

Join AARP today for $16 per year. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP The Magazine.