This page contains brief details about the drug , it's indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.

Background and Date of Approval

The U.S. FDA approved tolvaptan tablet tablet on May 19, 2009. It is used to treat condition such as  hyponatremia (Low sodium levels in the blood).

Mechanism of Action of undefined

Tolvaptan tablet blocks the vasopressin hormone effect (antidiuretic hormone- that helps to prevent water loss), decreases the amount of water in your body by increasing urine production, and, as a result, raises the concentration of sodium in your blood.

Uses of undefined

Tolvaptan tablet tablet is used to treat hyponatremia conditions (Low sodium levels in the blood) secondary to the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) and Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease [ADPKD]

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

Tolvaptan tablets administers as oral tablets in the strength of 15mg tablets under the direction of the physician. Your dosage, frequency and duration of the treatment is based on your health condition.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

Consult your doctor if you have diabetes, liver, or kidney problems before starting the medicine. Don't drink grape juice while under medication. Consult your doctor if you have lactose intolerance because the drug contains lactose.Inform your doctor if you can’t feel the sense of thirst. Individuals are advised to monitor their blood sodium level to avoid undesirable side effects. 

Before starting the treatment, consult your doctor if you have kidney and liver disorders or are allergic to ingredients such as benzazepine, tolvaptan tablet tablet, or other benzazepine derivatives. This medicine is contraindicated to patients with Anuria (lack of urine), Hypovolemic hyponatremia (Deficiency in both total body water and sodium level), Hypernatremia (high sodium level in blood), and patients who cannot feel thirst. So, it is recommended to discuss your medical history with your doctor.

Precautions

Drink plenty of water to overcome the water loss (dehydration). Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding before starting tolvaptan tablet tablet. Do not drive or use heavy machinery because the drug can cause dizziness, faintness and weakness (short period).The safety and efficacy of children below 18 years old are unknown; hence, consult your doctor before giving the medicine to children.

Side Effects

The common side effects that are experienced while you are on the treatment with tolvaptan tablet are feeling sick, thirst, rapid rise in the level of sodium,Excessive drinking of water, water loss, high levels of sodium, potassium, creatinine, uric acid, and blood sugar,Decrease in level of blood sugar,decreased appetite, fainting, headache, dizziness, low blood pressure when standing up, constipation, diarrhoea, dry mouth, patchy bleeding in the skin, itching, frequent urination, tiredness, general weakness, fever, blood in urine, elevation of liver enzyme in the blood. If you experience any allergic reactions such as swelling in the face, lips, or tongue, itching, or severe wheezing or breathlessness or feeling difficulty in urination, report to your doctor immediately.

Word Of Advice

Inform your doctor if you can’t feel the sense of thirst. Individuals are advised to monitor their blood sodium level to avoid undesirable side effects. Inform your doctor if you have the following symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, right upper abdominal discomfort, dark urine or jaundice.

Frequently Asked Question

References

  1. Otsuka Pharmaceutical Netherlands BV, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [Revised on Jan 2020], [Accessed on 21st Sep 2023] https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/samsca-epar-product-information_en.pdf
  2. Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on April 2013] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/022275s009lbl.pdf
  3. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Adrenergic system and drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 134.
  4. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Blood coagulation and anticoagulant, fibrinolytic, and antiplatelet drugs, 12th edition, 2011, 866.
  5. Steadfast Medshield;[Accessed on 22st Sep 2023];https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autosomal-dominant-polycystic-kidney-disease-adpkd/treatment/#:~:text=Tolvaptan%20is%20a%20medication%20that's,preserving%20kidney%20function%20for%20longer.

Disclaimer

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.