Lithium
Overview
Lithium usually given as carbonate or citrate, provides lithium ions which substitute for sodium in excitable tissues and reduce brain catecholamine levels. Lithium used in the prophylactic treatment of mania and depression it stabilizes the mood and reduces extremes in behavior. Caution in cardiac and renal disease. Needs careful control of plasma levels.
Lithium citrate is a chemical compound of lithium and citrate that is used as a mood stabilizer in psychiatric treatment of manic states and bipolar disorder. The molecular weight of Lithium citrate is 209.92
Categories
- 24 Psychotherapeutic drugs
- 24.2 Drugs used in mood disorders
Primary Characterstics
Indications
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Pharmacokinetics
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Contraindications
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Side Effects
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Dosage
Lithium's dosage details are as follows:
| Dose
|
Single Dose
|
Frequency
|
Route
|
Instructions
|
Adult Dosage
|
| 0.4 to 1.2 mg | 0.8 (0.8) | 24 hourly | PO | For first 5-7 days. Initial dose then adjusted according to serum lithium estinations. |
| 1.5 to 2 g | 1.8 (1.75) | 24 hourly | PO | For 5-7 days for acute mania. |
Paedriatic Dosage (20kg)
|
| | | | Not recommended for this age group |
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
|
| No data regarding the neonatal dosage details of Lithium is available. |
High Risk Groups
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Warning / Precautions
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Storage Conditions
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Interference in Pathology
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Brands / Trade Names of
Lithium
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