Samsca
Designed to target fluid balance abnormalities by antagonizing vasopressin receptors to alleviate symptoms associated with hyponatraemia.
- Category
- Hormone Therapy
- Active ingredient
- Tolvaptan
- Supply
- Pharmacy
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Tablet
- Strengths
- 15 · 30mg
Samsca details
- Therapeutic class
- Vasopressin Receptor Antagonist
- Pharmacological class
- Selective V2 Receptor Antagonist
- Contraindications
- hypersensitivity to tolvaptan; anuria; hypovolaemic hyponatraemia
- Minor side effects
- thirst; polyuria; dry mouth; nausea
- Moderate side effects
- hypernatraemia; diarrhoea; constipation; increased blood creatinine
- Dosage forms
- Tablet
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Supply category
- Pharmacist only, dispensed without a prescription
- Manufacturer
- Otsuka Pharmaceutical
- Onset Time
- 2–4 hours
- Duration
- 12–24 hours
- Storage instructions
- Store at room temperature.
- Drug interactions
- CYP3A4 inhibitors; grapefruit
- Age restrictions
- Adults only.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Pregnancy: Use only if clearly necessary. Breastfeeding: Not recommended.
Serious side effects
severe hepatic injury, requires immediate medical attention; osmotic demyelination syndrome, requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
Designed to target fluid balance abnormalities by antagonizing vasopressin receptors to alleviate symptoms associated with hyponatraemia.
Mechanism of action
Tolvaptan binds specifically to vasopressin V2 receptors in the kidney, which inhibits free water reabsorption and induces aquaresis, effectively managing water retention and serum sodium levels.
Where this medicine is registered
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- Taiwan
- South Korea
- Japan
- Australia
- New Zealand
- UAE
- South Africa
About Samsca
Samsca is a brand containing Tolvaptan, used for managing hyponatraemia and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Otsuka Pharmaceutical produces the tablet form, which is available in strengths of 15mg and 30mg. Patients requiring this treatment may rely on it for specific renal and sodium-related conditions as determined by their medical team.
Samsca availability in Asia
Samsca is registered across 14 markets including the Philippines, Indonesia and Taiwan, with availability also in South Korea, Japan and the UAE. Generic Tolvaptan, much of it made in India, can offer a more affordable alternative to the original brand for expats and residents far from a well-stocked health facility. This specialized medication is best used under a doctor’s care for targeted renal and electrolyte management.