What is "conivaptan"

n. A certain vaptan drug used to treat hyponatremia caused by SIADH with possible further applications in heart failure.

Conivaptan (YM 087, brand name Vaprisol) is a non-peptide inhibitor of antidiuretic hormone ( vasopressin receptor antagonist). It was approved in 2004 for hyponatremia (low blood sodium levels) caused by syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), and there is some evidence it may be effective in heart failure. It is marketed by Cumberland Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Conivaptan inhibits two of the three subtypes of the vasopressin receptor ( V1a and V2). Effectively, it causes iatrogenic nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.

Conivaptan has not been approved by the FDA for the treatment of decompensated congestive heart failure. However, in theory, vasopressin receptor antagonism would be particularly useful in this setting, and an initial study shows that it has some promise.