Lixivaptan: a vasopressin receptor antagonist for the treatment of hyponatremia

Hyponatremia, the most common electrolyte disorder encountered in clinical practice, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The introduction of medications that specifically antagonize the vasopressin V2 receptor (vaptans) has provided a safe and effective means of therapy. Lixivaptan is the newest of these agents that reliably increase serum sodium levels in patients with euvolemic hyponatremia. However, significant questions remain regarding the specific indications for vaptans, and their potential impact on morbidity and mortality associated with hyponatremia.