Merck Manual

Please confirm that you are not located inside the Russian Federation

honeypot link

Arginine Vasopressin Resistance

(Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus)

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Reviewed/Revised Mar 2024
VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
Get the full details
Topic Resources

What is arginine vasopressin resistance?

Arginine vasopressin resistance (previously known as nephrogenic diabetes insipidus) is a kidney problem that makes you urinate (pee) too much and then makes you thirsty.

Normally, your kidneys balance the level of water in your body so you have just the right amount (water balance About Body Water About half your body weight is water. So if you are a 160-pound woman, you have about 80 pounds (10 gallons) of water in your body. You need the right amount of water in your body for good health... read more ). But with arginine vasopressin resistance, your body loses too much water through urination.

What causes arginine vasopressin resistance?

What are the symptoms of arginine vasopressin resistance?

Symptoms of arginine vasopressin resistance include:

  • Feeling very thirsty

  • Urinating a lot (as much as 6 gallons [24 liters] a day)

  • Fever

  • Throwing up

  • Seizures

How can doctors tell if I have arginine vasopressin resistance?

Doctors suspect arginine vasopressin resistance if you're drinking and peeing a lot. To tell for sure, they'll do:

  • Blood tests

  • Urine tests

Sometimes, doctors do a water deprivation test Diagnosis .

How do doctors treat arginine vasopressin resistance?

To treat arginine vasopressin resistance, doctors will have you:

  • Drink water as soon as you feel thirsty—babies, children, and older adults with arginine vasopressin resistance should be given water often

  • Eat foods that are low in salt and protein

  • Sometimes, take medicine that helps your kidneys reabsorb sodium and water so you urinate less

Drugs Mentioned In This Article

Generic Name Select Brand Names
Arginine, Nutricia SHS L-Arginine, R-Gene
Pitressin, Vasostrict
Eskalith, Eskalith CR, Lithobid
NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
quiz link

Test your knowledge

Take a Quiz!
iOS ANDROID
iOS ANDROID
iOS ANDROID
TOP