HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Diagnosed With PD And MSA. Having Chronic Hyponatremia And Advised To Take Tolvapton. Sodium Levels Keep Dropping. Need Advise?

default
Posted on Fri, 8 Nov 2013
Question: My father(75 yrs) has been diagnosed with PD and MSA. Alongside, he is having chronic Hyponatremia - and our doctor advised Tolvapton. It worked well for my dad but apprently it cannot be used continuously more than 30 days. His sodium levels keep dropping everytime we stop it and he shows severe symtoms of disorientation, inability to move etc. Kindly advise
doctor
Answered by Dr. Gaurav Nigam (2 hours later)
+
Brief Answer:
Tolvapton-fast action.should be used cautiously.

Detailed Answer:
Greetings,

So as I have learnt from your fathers history that he has both Parkinsons disease and multiple system atrophy. Tolvapon is a wonderful drug to bring up the sodium levels but it brings up rather quickly. As you said it cannot be taken for a long time.
So in your Father Case I need to know what is the dose being given to your father,
Your doctor would be knowing about other alternatives or if the does can be lowered so he can tolerate it better. You should tell these symptoms to your doctor. Whenever you are discontinuing its use, it is better to withdraw it in hospital setting.

Hope this helps you.
For any queries you can reply back.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Gaurav Nigam (11 hours later)
Thanks Dr. XXXXXXX
He is taking 15mg daily. The risk of rapid rise is past i hope, as we have been using it for just above 30 days now
What are main risks of using Tolvaptan for more than 30 days. Is it higher sodium levels or are there any severe side effects. If we monitor electrolytes, is it safe to continue
Couldn't get an appointment with his neurologist and hence checking with you all

Thx much
doctor
Answered by Dr. Gaurav Nigam (58 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Hot fomentaion to the knee

Detailed Answer:
Greetings,
Tolvaptan is a wonderful drug. The dose that your father is taking is almost minimal.It normally is given in 30 mg and can go unto 60 mg also in certain cases. Thats good that you are father is maintaining at this levels.

Ideally it is not continued beyond thirty days.
More Common side effects of Tolvaptan are
Abdominal or stomach pain
blurred vision
dry mouth
flushed, dry skin
frequent urination
fruit-like breath odor
increased hunger
increased thirst
increased urination
increased volume of pale, dilute urine
nausea
sweating
thirst
troubled breathing
unexplained weight loss
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting

I want to add is change in diet while he's on the medicine.food that is XXXXXXX in sodium. So when he brings the medicine dose down then also sodium can be maintained.

Hope this helps.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Gaurav Nigam

Pediatrician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 307 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Diagnosed With PD And MSA. Having Chronic Hyponatremia And Advised To Take Tolvapton. Sodium Levels Keep Dropping. Need Advise?

+
Brief Answer:
Tolvapton-fast action.should be used cautiously.

Detailed Answer:
Greetings,

So as I have learnt from your fathers history that he has both Parkinsons disease and multiple system atrophy. Tolvapon is a wonderful drug to bring up the sodium levels but it brings up rather quickly. As you said it cannot be taken for a long time.
So in your Father Case I need to know what is the dose being given to your father,
Your doctor would be knowing about other alternatives or if the does can be lowered so he can tolerate it better. You should tell these symptoms to your doctor. Whenever you are discontinuing its use, it is better to withdraw it in hospital setting.

Hope this helps you.
For any queries you can reply back.