Ascites is the most common complication in the decompensated stage of cirrhosis, with approximately 5% to 10% progressing to refractory ascites (RA). The complex pathogenesis, difficult treatment, and poor prognosis are major challenges and difficulties in the clinical treatment of RA. Tolvaptan (TLV) is a kind of novel non-peptide, selective arginine vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist that can inhibit renal water reabsorption, promote free water excretion, and increase blood sodium levels, providing a new clinical option for the treatment of cirrhotic RA. This paper briefly summarizes the mechanism of action of TLV and introduces its effectiveness, safety, and predictive factors response in order to provide a reference for clinical application in the treatment of cirrhotic RA.