Vaprisol

Generic name: Conivaptan hydrochloride

What is Vaprisol?

Vaprisol is used to treat hospitalized patients who have low sodium levels. It works in the body by reducing the levels of a hormone called arginine vasopressin (AVP). By reducing levels of AVP, this helps to remove water from your body and consequently increase the concentration of sodium within your body.

What is the most important information I should know about Vaprisol?

Vaprisol should not be taken by patients suffering from hypovolemic hyponatremia, or by anyone taking ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir, indanivir, or any other CYP3A4 (an enzyme used in the metabolism of drugs and other substances) inhibitors.

Patients should have their sodium levels monitored while taking this drug.

Caution should be used when administering Vaprisol to patients with liver or kidney problems.

Vaprisol injection may cause significant adverse effects at the site of injection.

Who should not take Vaprisol?

Vaprisol should not be taken by patients suffering from hypovolemic hyponatremia, or by anyone taking ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir, indanivir, or any other CYP3A4 inhibitors.

Vaprisol premixed in D5W should not be taken by patients who are allergic to corn or corn products.

It is not indicated for patients with hyponatremia secondary to congestive heart failure.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Vaprisol?

Mention all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking, before beginning treatment with Vaprisol. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have any liver or kidney problems.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Vaprisol is for IV use in hospitalized patients. The loading dose is 20 mg (milligrams) IV administered over 30 minutes, followed by 20-40 mg administered in a continuous infusion over 24 hours. After the first day of treatment, Vaprisol should be administered for an additional 1-3 days in a continuous infusion of 20 mg/day.

How should I take Vaprisol?

When receiving Vaprisol, serum sodium and volume status should be monitored. Vaprisol should be discontinued if there is a rapid rise in sodium levels, or if a patient's blood pressure drops or blood volume decreases.

Vaprisol should only be given at sites with large vein access, and infusion sites should be rotated every 24 hours.

What should I avoid while taking Vaprisol?

Avoid potent CYP3A4 inhibitor drugs, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir, indinavir, etc. Digoxin should also be avoided in patients taking Vaprisol.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Vaprisol?

If Vaprisol is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Vaprisol with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, ritonavir, etc.) or digoxin.

What are the possible side effects of Vaprisol?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: infusion site reactions (pain, inflammation, etc.), low potassium levels, headache, dizziness after moving, edema in the extremities, constipation, nausea, vomiting

Can I receive Vaprisol if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Vaprisol has been shown to cause birth defects in laboratory animals, but has not been tested in humans. It is not known if Vaprisol is excreted in breast milk. Talk with your doctor before taking this drug if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Vaprisol?

Notify your doctor if you miss a dose of Vaprisol.

How should I store Vaprisol?

Your healthcare provider will store this medication.