Conivaptan
About Conivaptan
Conivaptan belongs to a group of medicines called vasopressin receptor antagonists used to raise serum sodium levels in hospitalised patients with euvolemic hyponatremia (body's sodium content stays the same but total body water increases) and hypervolemic hyponatremia (both water content and sodium in the body increase, however, the water gain is greater).
Conivaptan contains Conivaptan, which works by blocking the effect of vasopressin. Thereby, it helps increase serum sodium concentrations, reduces the amount of water in the blood, and increases urine production.
In some cases, Conivaptan may cause infusion site reactions, headache, fever, orthostatic hypotension, and hypokalemia (low potassium levels). Most of these side effects may not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to the doctor if any of these side effects persist or worsen.
Consult the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Conivaptan is not recommended for children as the effectiveness and safety have not been established. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medications to rule out any unpleasant side effects/interactions.
Uses of Conivaptan
Medicinal Benefits
Conivaptan contains Conivaptan, which belongs to a group of medicines called vasopressin receptor antagonists used to raise serum sodium levels in hospitalised patients with euvolemic hyponatremia (body's sodium content stays the same, but total body water increases) and hypervolemic hyponatremia (both water content and sodium in the body increase, however, the water gain is greater). Conivaptan works by blocking the effect of vasopressin. Thereby, it helps increase serum sodium concentrations, reduces the amount of water in the blood, and increases urine production.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Conivaptan
- Infusion site reactions
- Headache
- Fever
- Low potassium levels
- Orthostatic hypotension
Drug Warnings
Do not use Conivaptan if you are allergic to any of its components or if you have hypovolemic hyponatremia (water and sodium are both lost from the body, but the sodium loss is greater). Inform the doctor if you have anuria (failure of kidneys to produce urine), hyponatremia associated with heart failure, low blood pressure, hypovolemia (low levels of blood or fluids in the body) or if you are allergic to corn or corn products. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Conivaptan is not recommended for children as the effectiveness and safety have not been established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Inform the doctor if you are taking CYP3A inhibitors (ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir, indinavir), cardiac glycosides (digoxin), blood thinner (warfarin), diuretic (furosemide), or ACE inhibitors (captopril).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform the doctor if you have anuria, hypotension, or heart problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is unknown if Conivaptan interacts with alcohol. Please consult the doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionConivaptan belongs to pregnancy category C. Conivaptan should be used during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is not known whether Conivaptan is excreted in human milk. Consult the doctor if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor will decide whether to discontinue nursing or the medicine, considering the importance of the medicine to the mother.
Driving
not applicable-
Liver
consult your doctorIf you have a history of liver disease, please inform the doctor before receiving Conivaptan.
Kidney
cautionConivaptan is not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment. If you have a history of kidney disease, please inform the doctor before receiving Conivaptan.
Children
unsafeConivaptan is not recommended for children as the effectiveness and safety have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Maintain a healthy weight with proper diet and exercise.
- Manage stress with meditation, yoga, and massage.
- Snack on unsalted nuts.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hyponatremia: Low levels of sodium in the blood are referred to as hyponatremia. Normal levels of sodium are 135-145 milliequivalent per litre. Hyponatremia occurs when the level is below 135mEq/L. Sodium is an important electrolyte that helps in maintaining water balance in and around the cells. It helps in proper nerve and muscle functioning and maintains stable blood pressure levels. Symptoms of low sodium levels include weakness, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, headache, irritability, confusion, and muscle spasms.
FAQs
Conivaptan is used to treat Hyponatremia (low levels of sodium).
Conivaptan works by blocking the effect of vasopressin. Thereby, it increases serum sodium concentrations.
Conivaptan may cause orthostatic hypotension (a sudden lowering of blood pressure, leading to dizziness on standing). If you experience this, do not stand up suddenly or start walking; lie down and get up slowly only when you feel better.
Conivaptan has not shown to be effective for treating signs and symptoms of heart failure. Consult the doctor if you have heart problems.