SAMSCA® is indicated for the treatment of clinically significant hypervolemic and euvolemic hyponatremia (serum sodium < 125 mEq/L or less marked hyponatremia that is symptomatic and has resisted correction with fluid restriction), including patients with heart failure and Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH).

Important Limitations

Patients requiring intervention to raise serum sodium urgently to prevent or to treat serious neurological symptoms should not be treated with SAMSCA.

It has not been established that raising serum sodium with SAMSCA provides a symptomatic benefit to patients.

Usual Dosage in Adults

Patients should be in a hospital for initiation and re-initiation of therapy to evaluate the therapeutic response and because too rapid correction of hyponatremia can cause osmotic demyelination resulting in dysarthria, mutism, dysphagia, lethargy, affective changes, spastic quadriparesis, seizures, coma and death.

The usual starting dose for SAMSCA is 15 mg administered once daily without regard to meals. Increase the dose to 30 mg once daily, after at least 24 hours, to a maximum of 60 mg once daily, as needed to achieve the desired level of serum sodium. Do not administer SAMSCA for more than 30 days to minimize the risk of liver injury [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

During initiation and titration, frequently monitor for changes in serum electrolytes and volume. Avoid fluid restriction during the first 24 hours of therapy. Patients receiving SAMSCA should be advised that they can continue ingestion of fluid in response to thirst [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Drug Withdrawal

Following discontinuation from SAMSCA, patients should be advised to resume fluid restriction and should be monitored for changes in serum sodium and volume status.

Co-Administration with CYP 3A Inhibitors, CYP 3A Inducers and P-gp Inhibitors

CYP 3A Inhibitors

Tolvaptan is metabolized by CYP 3A, and use with strong CYP 3A inhibitors causes a marked (5-fold) increase in exposure [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. The effect of moderate CYP 3A inhibitors on tolvaptan exposure has not been assessed. Avoid co-administration of SAMSCA and moderate CYP 3A inhibitors [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, DRUG INTERACTIONS].

CYP 3A Inducers

Co-administration of SAMSCA with potent CYP 3A inducers (e.g., rifampin) reduces tolvaptan plasma concentrations by 85%. Therefore, the expected clinical effects of SAMSCA may not be observed at the recommended dose. Patient response should be monitored and the dose adjusted accordingly [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, DRUG INTERACTIONS].

P-gp Inhibitors

Tolvaptan is a substrate of P-gp. Co-administration of SAMSCA with inhibitors of P-gp (e.g., cyclosporine) may necessitate a decrease in SAMSCA dose [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, DRUG INTERACTIONS].

Dosage Forms And Strengths

SAMSCA (tolvaptan) is available in 15 mg and 30 mg tablets [see Storage and Handling].

SAMSCA® (tolvaptan) tablets are available in the following strengths and packages.

SAMSCA 15 mg tablets are non-scored, blue, triangular, shallow-convex, debossed with “OTSUKA” and “15” on one side.

Blister of 10 NDC 59148-020-50

SAMSCA 30 mg tablets are non-scored, blue, round, shallow-convex, debossed with “OTSUKA” and “30” on one side.

Blister of 10 NDC 59148-021-50

Storage and Handling

Store at 25 °C (77 °F), excursions permitted between 15 °C and 30 °C (59 °F to 86 °F) [see USP controlled Room Temperature].

Keep out of reach of children.

Manufactured by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, 101-8535 Japan Distributed and marketed by Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc., Rockville, MD 20850

Last reviewed on RxList: 5/6/2013
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.