Samsca

symptomatic euvolemic Hyponatremia, symptomatic hypervolemic Hyponatremia, Polycystic Kidney, Autosomal Dominant
Treatment
3 FDA approvals
6 Active Studies for Samsca

What is Samsca

TolvaptanThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryTolvaptan is a prescription drug used to treat low levels of sodium in the blood (hyponatremia), which can be caused by certain diseases like congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, and SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone). It was approved by the FDA in 2009.
Samscais the brand name
image of different drug pills on a surface
Samsca Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Samsca
Tolvaptan
2009
20

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Tolvaptan, also called Samsca, is approved by the FDA for 3 uses including symptomatic hypervolemic Hyponatremia and Polycystic Kidney, Autosomal Dominant .
symptomatic hypervolemic Hyponatremia
Polycystic Kidney, Autosomal Dominant
Helps manage Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD)
symptomatic euvolemic Hyponatremia

Effectiveness

How Samsca Affects PatientsTaking tolvaptan increases how much urine is produced and how much fluids are taken in, which can lead to dehydration. This drug is known to increase sodium and osmolality levels in the body 4-8 hours after taking it, with increased doses leading to higher levels. Urine osmolality decreases and the body's ability to clear out free water increases 4 hours after taking tolvaptan. This drug is highly selective for V2 receptors, and has very little affinity for V1a receptors.
How Samsca works in the bodyTolvaptan is a medication that blocks the action of a hormone called vasopressin. When this hormone is blocked, the body is unable to absorb as much water. This increases the amount of urine produced and decreases the concentration of salts in the bloodstream, which can be beneficial for people with heart failure.

When to interrupt dosage

The dosage of Samsca is contingent upon the identified condition, such as symptomatic hypervolemic Hyponatremia, symptomatic euvolemic Hyponatremia and Polycystic Kidney, Autosomal Dominant. The measure fluctuates based on the outlined method of administration in the table beneath.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
symptomatic hypervolemic Hyponatremia
, 15.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 120.0 mg, 45.0 mg, 7.5 mg
Tablet - Oral, , Tablet, Oral
Polycystic Kidney, Autosomal Dominant
, 15.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 120.0 mg, 45.0 mg, 7.5 mg
Tablet - Oral, , Tablet, Oral
symptomatic euvolemic Hyponatremia
, 15.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 90.0 mg, 120.0 mg, 45.0 mg, 7.5 mg
Tablet - Oral, , Tablet, Oral

Warnings

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Samsca.
Common Samsca Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Desmopressin
Major
The therapeutic efficacy of Desmopressin can be decreased when used in combination with Tolvaptan.
Agmatine
Minor
The risk or severity of hyperkalemia can be increased when Tolvaptan is combined with Agmatine.
Aliskiren
Minor
The risk or severity of hyperkalemia can be increased when Tolvaptan is combined with Aliskiren.
Alminoprofen
Minor
The risk or severity of hyperkalemia can be increased when Tolvaptan is combined with Alminoprofen.
Anisodamine
Minor
The risk or severity of hyperkalemia can be increased when Tolvaptan is combined with Anisodamine.
Samsca Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe toxic dosage of tolvaptan has been found to be greater than 2000 mg/kg in rats and dogs. Common side effects may include an increase in thirst, dry mouth, fatigue, constipation, frequent urination, and elevated blood sugar levels.
image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Samsca Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Samsca?

An examination of 6 active studies is currently underway to assess the potential of Samsca in providing symptomatic relief for Euvolemic Hyponatremia, Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease and Symptomatic Hypervolemic Hyponatremia.
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
symptomatic euvolemic Hyponatremia
0 Actively Recruiting
Polycystic Kidney, Autosomal Dominant
6 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 1
symptomatic hypervolemic Hyponatremia
0 Actively Recruiting

Samsca Reviews: What are patients saying about Samsca?

5Patient Review
9/15/2019
Samsca for Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion
I've been using this drug for years now, and it's the only way I can keep my sodium levels in check. It's very expensive, costing me $250 a month, but it's worth it to me.
5Patient Review
10/18/2012
Samsca for Low Amount of Sodium in the Blood
The cost of this medication is unfortunately out of reach for me.
2.3Patient Review
6/26/2013
Samsca for Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion
This drug caused my serum sodium to skyrocket, leading to mobility problems and hallucinations. My speech also sounded like I was having a stroke. Thankfully, this didn't kill me but it was awful to experience. I wouldn't recommend this if there are other options available.
2.3Patient Review
12/27/2010
Samsca for Low Amount of Sodium in the Blood
My husband passed away 26 hours after taking Samsca, which was supposed to help with his fluid levels and heart failure. We had reported this adverse reaction to the FDA.
2Patient Review
5/3/2010
Samsca for Low Amount of Sodium in the Blood
2Patient Review
7/12/2010
Samsca for Low Amount of Sodium in the Blood
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about samsca

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What is Samsca used for?

"Tolvaptan is used to treat low blood sodium levels in people who have heart failure or SIADH."

Answered by AI

What are the side effects of Samsca?

"The following are potential side effects of the medication: thirst, dry mouth, loss of appetite, constipation, or weakness. Dehydration is also a possible side effect. People with cirrhosis have an increased risk of bleeding from the stomach or intestines while taking this medication. In very rare cases, the medication may cause serious liver disease, which could be fatal."

Answered by AI

How long does it take for Samsca to work?

"The effect of the drug begins 2-4 hours after taking it, peaking 4-8 hours after. Taking the drug with food does not seem to affect how well the body absorbs it or how long the effect lasts."

Answered by AI

What is tolvaptan used for?

"Tolvaptan is a medication used to treat low sodium levels in the blood in patients with heart failure or SIADH, as well as to slow kidney function decline in adults at risk of rapidly progressing ADPKD."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Samsca

Have you considered Samsca clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Samsca, we think they might fit your search criteria.