Tolvaptan
Tolvaptan
Tolvaptan (pronounced tol-VAP-tan) is a medication used in the treatment of hyponatremia (low blood sodium levels) associated with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, and the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH).
Etymology
The name "Tolvaptan" is derived from the chemical structure of the drug. The prefix "tol-" is derived from the chemical group tolyl, which is a part of the drug's structure. The suffix "-vaptan" is used for drugs that are vasopressin antagonists, which describes the mechanism of action of Tolvaptan.
Mechanism of Action
Tolvaptan works by blocking the action of a hormone known as vasopressin, which regulates the body's water balance. By blocking the action of vasopressin, Tolvaptan increases the amount of water that is excreted in the urine, thereby increasing blood sodium levels.
Related Terms
- Hyponatremia: A condition characterized by low levels of sodium in the blood.
- Vasopressin: A hormone that regulates the body's water balance.
- Vasopressin antagonist: A type of drug that blocks the action of vasopressin.
- Congestive heart failure: A condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
- Cirrhosis: A condition characterized by scarring of the liver and poor liver function.
- Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH): A condition in which the body produces too much antidiuretic hormone, leading to water retention and low sodium levels.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Tolvaptan
- Wikipedia's article - Tolvaptan
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