Vaprisol (Conivaptan Hcl Injection) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images at RxList

Pill Identifier Search

May 27, 2012

Vaprisol

Hyponatremia (Low Blood Sodium) »

What is hyponatremia (low blood sodium)?

Hyponatremia refers to a lower-than-normal level of sodium in the blood. Sodium is essential for many body functions including the maintenance of fluid balance, regulation of blood pressure, and normal function of the nervous system. Hyponatremia has sometimes been referred to as "water intoxication," especially when it is due to the consumption of excess water, for example during strenuous exercise, without adequate replacement of sodium.

Sodium is the major positively charged ion (cation) in the fluid outside of cells of the body. The chemical notation for sodium is Na. When combined with chloride (Cl), the resulting substance is table salt (NaCl).

The normal blood sodium level is 135 - 145 milliEquivalents/liter (mEq/L), or in international units, 135 - 145 millimoles/liter (mmol/L). Results may vary slightly among different laboratories.

What causes hyponatremia ...

Read the Hyponatremia (Low Blood Sodium) article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Next »

Vaprisol

Heart Disease Slideshow Pictures

Medical Illustrations of the Heart Image Collection

Take the Heart Disease Quiz!

font size

Vaprisol Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Vaprisol

Generic Name: conivaptan (Pronunciation: koe NYE vap tan)

What is conivaptan (Vaprisol)?

Conivaptan reduces the level of a hormone that regulates the balance of water and salt (sodium) in the body. High levels of this hormone 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 are the possible side effects of conivaptan (Vaprisol)?

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, fainting;
swelling, rapid weight gain; 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. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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

Before receiving conivaptan, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure, kidney disease, or liver disease.

Do not receive conivaptan if you are also 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.

Related Drug Centers