Lithium

Lithium is an element that derives its name from the Greek word lithos meaning stone. It is used as a medicine most effectively in the treatment of bipolar disorder and other mental disorders such as poor cognitive skills, aggressive behavior, insomniac tendencies, hyperactivity.

It can also be used to treat epilepsy, diabetes, liver and kidney disease, arthritis, asthma, frequent headaches, eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and for blood disorders such as anemia.

On using Lithium you may experience certain side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, muscle weakness, mild tremors, frequent urge to urinate and thirst. These effects will decrease over time, however, if they should continue and worsen, seek medical aid right away.

Certain precautionary protocols that you are advised to follow before using Lithium includes notifying your doctor if you:

• Are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant. Lithium can prove to be fatal for the fetus if used during pregnancy.
• Are breastfeeding a baby. It can cause certain harmful side effects to the baby.
• Have a history of heart disease, thyroid or kidney disease.
• Are taking any prescriptive or over the counter drugs, herbal medications or dietary supplements.
• Have recently had a surgery or are scheduled for one soon. Lithium usage should be discontinued two weeks before your surgery.

The dosage for Lithium will be determined by your doctor as per the seriousness of your condition, overall health, gender and age. Usually the prescribed dosage for adults diagnosed with manic or bipolar disorder is about 1800 mg per day.

It should be taken in three sets of about 600 mg each in the morning, afternoon and night. The dose for children 12 years or older is also the same. Patients are advised to seek the help of your health care provider should you suspect drug overdose, or symptoms of Brugada, encephalopathy, diabetes or insipidus.

In the acute ingestion following initiation of essential overdose management, correction of fluid and electrolyte imbalances should be commenced. Hemodialysis and whole bowel irrigation is the treatment of choice for severe intoxications; charcoal is ineffective.

Take exactly as directed; do not change dosage without consulting prescriber. Do not crush or chew tablets or capsules. Maintain adequate fluid intake (2-3 L/day of fluids unless instructed to restrict fluid intake) especially in summer. Frequent blood test and monitoring will be necessary.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• Mania

  Lithium is used in the treatment of mania which is mood disorder characterized by hyperactivity, elevation in mood and extreme enthusiasm.

• Bipolar Disorder

  Lithium is used in the treatment of bipolar disorder characterized by unusual shifts in the mood like hyperactivity and tiredness are some of the symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• Allergy

  Not recommended in patients with known allergy to Lithium.

• Severe Heart Disease

  Not recommended in patients with known heart diseases.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• Confusion

• Increased Thirst

• Weight Gain

• Dizziness

• Headache

• Changes In Vision

• Skin Rash

• Excessive Air Or Gas In Stomach

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• How long is the duration of effect?

  The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 2 to 3 days.

• What is the onset of action?

  The effect of this medicine can be observed in 5 to 7 days.

• Are there any pregnancy warnings?

  This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women.

• Is it habit forming?

  No habit forming tendency has been reported

• Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

  This medicine is not recommended in breastfeeding women.

• Does this affect kidney function?

  Caution must be taken in patients with kidney disease. Dosing adjustment in renal impairment:

  • Clcr 10-50 mL/minute: Administer 50% to 75% of normal dose.
  • Clcr <10 mL/minute: Administer 25% to 50% of normal dose.
  • Hemodialysis: Dialyzable (50% to 100%).

• Does this affect liver function?

  Limited or no data available. Kindly consult your doctor before taking it.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• Missed Dose instructions

  Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.

• Are there any overdose instructions?

  Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• India

• United States

• Japan

• India

• United States

• Japan

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

Below is the list of medicines, which contains Lithium as ingredient

• Alkalith 450 MG Tablet

  Alkem Laboratories Ltd

• Hethium 400 MG Tablet

  Mankind Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Lithocap 300 MG Capsule

  Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Trilith 300 MG Tablet

  Tripada Biotec Pvt Ltd

• Lithon 450 MG Tablet

  Rkg Pharma

• Monolith 400Mg Tablet Sr

  Consern Pharma P Ltd

• Licab Xl 400Mg Tablet

  Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Olith 450 MG Tablet

  Oxford Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd

• Litman 400 MG Tablet

  Mayflower India

• Tricab 300 MG Tablet

  Triko Pharmaceuticals

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

Lithium is a mood-stabilising agent and although its exact way of working is unknown, it is believed to work by a number of ways including regulation of glutamate receptos, inhibition of the enzyme inositol monophosphatase or deactivation of the enzyme glycogen synthase kinase 3.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

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• Interaction with Alcohol

  Consumption of alcohol with this medicine is not recommended as it can result in dizziness and difficulty in concentration. Avoid activities that need mental alertness like driving and operating machinery.

• Interaction with Lab Test

  This medicine might cause an increase in calcium (S), glucose, magnesium, potassium (S); and decrease in thyroxine (S) levels.

• Interaction with Medicine

  • Concurrent use of lithium with carbamazepine, diltiazem, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, haloperidol, methyldopa, phenothiazines, TCAs, and verapamil may increase the risk for neurotoxicity; monitor.
  • NSAIDs decrease renal lithium excretion leading to increased serum lithium concentrations; sulindac and aspirin may be the exceptions; monitor.
  • Combined use of lithium and chlorpromazine may lower serum concentrations of both drugs; monitor.
  • ACE inhibitors may increase the risk of lithium toxicity via sodium depletion; monitor.
  • Lithium and MAOIs should generally be avoided due to use reports of fatal malignant hyperpyrexia.
  • Losartan may reduce the renal clearance of lithium; monitor.
  • Phenytoin may enhance lithium toxicity; monitor.
  • Potassium iodide may enhance the hypothyroid effects of lithium; monitor.
  • Combined use of lithium with sibutramine may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome; this combination is best avoided.
  • Sodium bicarbonate and high sodium intake may reduce serum lithium concentrations via enhanced excretion; monitor.
  • Thiazide diuretics increase serum lithium concentration via sodium depletion.

• Interaction with Disease

  Dementia

  This medicine is not recommended in patients with dementia-related psychosis as it increases the risk of heart diseases like heart failure and infectious diseases like pneumonia. An alternate medicine should be considered based on the clinical condition.

  Heart Diseases

  This medicine is not recommended in patients with heart disease. Inform the doctor if you have any heart disease before receiving this medicine. An alternate medicine should be considered based on the clinical condition.

  Hypothyroidism

  This medicine may alter the thyroid levels, therefore, not recommended in patients with hypothyroidism. Check the thyroid levels before starting the treatment. The treatment should be discontinued if thyroid levels are low.

• Interaction with Food

  May be administered with meals to avoid GI upset; avoid changes in sodium content of diet; limit caffeine; food increases absorption; have patient drink 2-3 L of water daily; avoid changes in sodium content of diet (reduction in sodium intake can increase lithium toxicity), sodium is exchanged with lithium which may lead to elevated lithium levels; syrup may precipitate in tube feedings.

• Ques : What is Lithium used for?

  Ans : Lithium is used in the treatment of bipolar disorder and other mental disorders such as poor cognitive skills, aggressive behaviour, insomniac tendencies, hyperactivity.

• Ques : Should Lithium be taken with a meal or without a meal?

  Ans : The effectiveness of Lithium does not depend on a meal, it can be taken either way.

• Ques : What is the onset of action of Lithium?

  Ans : Lithium usually takes about 5 to 7 days to show its effect.

• Ques : What is the duration of the effect of Lithium?

  Ans : The effect of Lithium lasts between 2 to 3 days.

• Ques : Is Lithium safe for usage in paediatrics?

  Ans : Lithium is not recommended for usage in children below the age of 12 as its safety and effectiveness are not known.

• Ques : Is Lithium safe for usage in geriatrics?

  Ans : Lithium is not recommended for usage in geriatrics as it may build up in the body and induce Lithium side effects, along with its reaction with other medication.

• Ques : How is Lithium administered?

  Ans : Lithium is administered orally.