Lithium Carbonate is an antimanic agent used to treat Manic-Depressive Disorder (Bipolar Disorder). This medication may also be used to prevent cluster headaches. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Although lithium has been used for over 50 years in treatment of bipolar disorder, the mechanism of action is still unknown. Lithium's therapeutic action may be due to a number of effects, ranging from inhibition of enzymes such as glycogen synthase kinase 3, inositol phosphatases, or modulation of glutamate receptors. Lithium Carbonate alters intraneuronal metabolism of catecholamines and sodium transport in neurons and muscle cells.
Treatment and prophylaxis of mania | Treatment and prophylaxis of bipolar disorder | Treatment and prophylaxis of recurrent depression | Treatment and prophylaxis of aggressive or self-harming behaviour BY MOUTH Adult: Dose adjusted to achieve a serum-lithium concentration of 0.4-1 mmol/litre 12 hours after a dose on days 4-7 of treatment, then every week until dosage has remained constant for 4 weeks and every 3 months thereafter, doses are initially divided throughout the day, but once daily administration is preferred when serum-lithium concentration stabilised
Caution should be used when lithium and diuretics are used concomitantly because diuretic-induced sodium loss may reduce the renal clearance of lithium and increase serum lithium levels with risk of lithium toxicity. Lithium levels should be closely monitored when patients initiate or discontinue NSAID use. Indomethacin and piroxicam have been reported to increase significantly steady-state plasma lithium concentrations. Concurrent use of metronidazole with lithium may provoke lithium toxicity due to reduced renal clearance. There is evidence that ACE inhibitors, such as enalapril and captopril, may substantially increase steady-state plasma lithium levels, sometimes resulting in lithium toxicity. Concurrent use of calcium channel blocking agents with lithium may increase the risk of neurotoxicity in the form of ataxia, tremors, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and/or tinnitus. The concomitant administration of lithium with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors should be undertaken with caution as this combination has been reported to result in symptoms such as diarrhea, confusion, tremor, dizziness and agitation. The following drugs can lower serum lithium concentrations by increasing urinary lithium excretion: acetazolamide, urea, xanthine preparations and alkalinizing agents such as sodium bicarbonate. The following have also been shown to interact with lithium: methyldopa, phenytoin and carbamazepine.
Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have heart or kidney disease, an under-active thyroid, or any debilitating medical condition. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience vision changes, unsteadiness on your feet, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, joint swelling, confusion, slurred speech, blurred vision, severe hand trembling, or pain or discoloration of finger/toes, cold hands/feet. Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding liquids you can drink /intake amount. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. AVOID large amounts of caffeine-containing foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, cocoa, cola drinks, and chocolate. For an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
mild thirst frequent urination fine hand tremor drowsiness weight gain lightheadedness mild nausea
This medicine has been shown to CAUSE HARM to the human fetus. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. It is advised that you DO NOT breast-feed while taking this medicine unless you have talked to your doctor or pediatrician.
In the event of accumulation, lithium should be stopped and serum estimations should be carried out every six hours.Under no circumstances should a diuretic be used. Osmotic diuresis (mannitol or urea infusion) or alkalinisation of the urine (sodium lactate or sodium bicarbonate infusion) should be initiated. If the serum lithium level is over 4.0 mmol/L, or if there is a deterioration in the patient's condition, or if the serum lithium concentration is not falling at a rate corresponding to a half-life of under 30 hours, peritoneal or haemodialysis should be instituted promptly. This should be continued until there is no lithium in the serum or dialysis fluid. Serum lithium levels should be monitored for at least a further week to take account of any possible rebound in serum lithium levels as a result of delayed diffusion from body tissues.
Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.
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