Tolvaptan: how to take it safely
Samsca, Jinarc
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Raises low sodium in the blood in some conditions, and slows kidney cysts in some kidney diseases.
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Swallow with water.
- Starting treatment is done in hospital so your sodium can be watched.
When to take it
Take it once a day, in the morning.
Take it with
With or without food.
What to avoid
- Correcting sodium too quickly. Never change the dose yourself.
- Grapefruit juice.
- Not drinking when you are thirsty. Do not restrict fluids unless your doctor said so.
- Tell your doctor if you have liver problems.
Possible side effects
Thirst, passing a lot of urine, dry mouth, dizziness.
Get help if
Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, severe stomach pain, confusion, slurred speech, trouble walking or seizures: get urgent help.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.