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Pronunciation

LITH-ee-um

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification:

Indications

REMS

Action

Therapeutic Effects:

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Completely absorbed after oral administration.

Distribution: Widely distributed into many tissues and fluids; CSF levels are 50% of plasma levels. Crosses the placenta; enters breast milk.

Metabolism/Excretion: Excreted almost entirely unchanged by the kidneys.

Half-life: 20–27 hr.

Time/Action Profile

(antimanic effects)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
PO, PO–ER5–7 days10–21 daysdays

Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

CV: ECG changes, arrhythmias, edema, hypotension, unmasking of Brugada syndrome.

Derm: acneiform eruption, folliculitis, alopecia, diminished sensation, DRUG REACTION WITH EOSINOPHILIA AND SYSTEMIC SYMPTOMS (DRESS), pruritus.

EENT: aphasia, blurred vision, dysarthria, tinnitus.

Endo: hypothyroidism, goiter, hyperglycemia, hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism.

F and E: hypercalcemia, hyponatremia.

GI: abdominal pain, anorexia, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, dry mouth, metallic taste.

GU: polyuria, glycosuria, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, renal impairment.

Hemat: leukocytosis.

Metab: weight gain.

MS: muscle weakness, hyperirritability, rigidity.

Neuro: fatigue, headache, impaired memory, tremors, ataxia, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, PSEUDOTUMOR CEREBRI, psychomotor retardation, restlessness, sedation, SEIZURES, stupor.
Misc: SEROTONIN SYNDROME.

Interactions

Drug-Drug:

Drug-Natural Products:

Drug-Food:

Route/Dosage

see Calculator

Precise dosing is based on serum lithium levels. 300 mg lithium carbonate contains 8–12 mEq lithium

Availability

(Generic available)

Assessment

Lab Test Considerations: Toxicity and Overdose:

Implementation

Patient/Family Teaching

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

US Brand Names

Lithobid

Canadian Brand Names

Carbolith, Lithane, Lithmax