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.
Precise dosing is based on serum lithium levels. 300 mg lithium carbonate contains 8–12 mEq lithium
- PO (Adults and Children ≥7 yr and >30 kg): Tablets/capsules/liquid: 300 mg 3 times daily initially; ↑ by 300 mg/day every 3 days; usual dose for treatment of acute manic and mixed episodes = 600 mg 2–3 times daily; usual maintenance dose = 300–600 mg 2–3 times daily.
- PO (Adults and Children >12 yr): Extended-release tablets: 450–900 mg twice daily or 300–600 mg 3 times daily initially; usual maintenance dose is 450 mg twice daily or 300 mg 3 times daily.
- PO (Children ≥7 yr and 20–30 kg): Tablets/capsules/liquid: 300 mg twice daily initially; ↑ by 300 mg/wk; usual dose for treatment of acute manic and mixed episodes = 600–1500 mg/day in divided doses; usual maintenance dose = 600–1200 mg/day in divided doses.
Therapeutic Classification:
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.
Carbolith, Lithane, Lithmax
