conivaptan
Pronunciation: kon ih VAP tan Brand: Vaprisol What is the most important information I should know about this drug?
Before receiving conivaptan, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure, kidney disease, or liver disease.
Some medicines can cause serious medical problems if you take them while you are being treated with conivaptan. Tell your doctor if you are using any of these medications: ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), clarithromycin (Biaxin), ritonavir (Norvir), or indinavir (Crixivan). Conivaptan is usually given only in a hospital. The medicine is given through an IV line and treatment is continued around-the-clock for up to 4 days.
Because conivaptan can irritate the skin or vein when the medicine enters the body, your IV needle will be moved to a different vein every 24 hours.
While receiving conivaptan, tell your doctor at once if you have pain, redness, or swelling where the IV needle is placed. What is this drug?
Conivaptan reduces the level of a hormone called arginine vasopressin that regulates the balance of water and salt (sodium) in the body. High levels of arginine vasopressin can cause an imbalance that results in low sodium levels and fluid retention.
Conivaptan is used to treat hyponatremia (low sodium levels). Conivaptan improves urine flow without causing the body to lose too much sodium as you urinate.
Conivaptan may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking this drug?
Before you receive this medication, tell your doctor if you have:
- congestive heart failure;
- liver disease; or
- kidney disease.
If you have any of the conditions listed above, you may not be able to receive conivaptan or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
Conivaptan is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known if it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known if conivaptan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. How should I take this drug?
Conivaptan is given as an injection (infusion) into a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will give you the medicine through an IV line and a needle placed into one of your large veins (such as in your upper chest).
Conivaptan is infused around-the-clock for up to 4 days. This medication is usually given only in a hospital.
Because conivaptan can irritate the skin or vein when the medicine enters the body, your IV needle will be moved to a different vein every 24 hours.
What happens if I miss a dose?
It is unlikely that you will miss a dose of this medication since it is usually given while you are in a hospital.
What happens if I overdose?
Tell your doctor right away if you think you have received too much of this medicine. Symptoms of an overdose may include light-headedness, fainting, or extreme thirst.
What should I avoid while taking this drug?
Avoid drinking more fluids than your doctor recommends while you are receiving treatment with conivaptan.
What are the possible side effects of this drug?
Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Tell your doctor or nurse if you have any of these other serious side effects:
- pain, redness, or swelling where the IV needle is placed;
- irregular heartbeats;
- confusion, extreme thirst;
- vomiting, diarrhea;
- feeling light-headed, passing out;
- swelling in your hands, wrists, ankles, or feet; or
- pain or burning when you urinate.
Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Talk with your doctor or nurse if you have any of these side effects:
- mild fever;
- headache, sleep problems (insomnia);
- painful white patches in your mouth or throat; or
- mild thirst and increased urination.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect this drug?
Some medicines can cause serious medical problems if you take them while you are being treated with conivaptan. Before receiving conivaptan, tell your doctor if you are using any of these medications:
- ketoconazole (Nizoral);
- itraconazole (Sporanox);
- clarithromycin (Biaxin);
- ritonavir (Norvir); or
- indinavir (Crixivan).
There may be other drugs not listed that can affect conivaptan. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist has more information about conivaptan written for health professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Conivaptan is available with a prescription under the brand name Vaprisol. This medication is usually given only in a hospital setting. Other brand or generic forms may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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