Conivaptan
Conivaptan is an injectable vasopressin receptor antagonist used primarily in hospital settings to treat euvolemic hyponatremia (low sodium levels). Unlike traditional diuretics that cause electrolyte loss, it works by promoting water excretion (aquaresis) while preserving sodium and potassium levels in the body. It is typically reserved for serious cases where sodium levels need to be corrected relatively quickly.
Conivaptan is an IV medication that raises sodium levels by helping the body excrete excess water while retaining electrolytes.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C03XA02
- RxNorm
- 302285
- Generic
- Conivaptan
- Class
- atc-c03
- Brands
- Vaprisol
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if potential benefits justify potential risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring recommended
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
use only if potential benefits justify potential risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring recommended
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
use only if potential benefits justify potential risks to fetus
regular fetal and uterine monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug
conivaptan is not recommended during breastfeeding due to unknown excretion in breast milk
monitor infant for adverse effects
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot recommended
safety and efficacy not established in patients under 18 years of age
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyno specific dose adjustment required
use with caution, monitor renal and hepatic function
monitor renal function, hepatic function, and electrolytes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentuse with caution
not significantly cleared by kidneys but use with caution in severe renal impairment
monitor electrolytes and renal function closely
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentdose reduction may be required
use with caution in severe hepatic impairment, conivaptan is metabolized by CYP3A4
monitor hepatic function and electrolytes closely
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for treatment of euvolemic hyponatremia
Drug class
Pharmacological classification
Common uses
Therapeutic indications
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic properties
Primarily used to treat euvolemic hyponatremia in hospitalized patients, often associated with conditions such as syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), heart failure, or after certain surgeries. It may also be used in hypervolemic hyponatremia in some cases.
Conivaptan blocks vasopressin V1A and V2 receptors. By antagonizing V2 receptors in the kidney's collecting ducts, it prevents water reabsorption, leading to excretion of free water (aquaresis) while preserving electrolytes. The V1A blockade may also provide some vasodilatory effects.
Administered intravenously in controlled hospital settings. Requires careful monitoring of sodium levels to avoid overcorrection, which can lead to osmotic demyelination syndrome. Common side effects may include infusion site reactions, headache, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Not typically used for chronic outpatient management and generally reserved for moderate to severe hyponatremia.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy