Lithium - Drug Information

Generic Name : Lithium
Pronunciation : lith' ee um

ICD Code : | Therapeutic Classification : Chemical Elements

Trade Name(s) :

India - A-Lith� [Tab], Alkalith Cr� [Tab], Carbolith� [Tab], Elcab� [Tab], Intalith CR, Lalithium� [Tab], Benethim (300mg), Elcab (300mg), Lithoset (400mg), Lithoset (300mg)


International - Eskalith CR, Eskalith, Lithobid.

Why is Lithium Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is an antimanic agent, prescribed for acute mania and bipolar disorder. It works by decreasing abnormal activity in the brain.

When should Lithium not to be taken? (Contraindications)

Contraindicated in patients who are taking angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, dehydration, and hypersensitivity.

What is the dosage of Lithium?

PO- The recommended dose range is 600 - 1200 mg/day.

How should Lithium be taken?

It comes as a tablet, capsule, and oral liquid to take by mouth, with food.

What are the warnings and precautions for Lithium?

* Caution should be exercised in patients with brain syndrome, thyroid, heart or kidney disease, severe diarrhea, excessive sweating, fever, any allergy, who are taking other medications, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
* It may cause drowsiness or dizziness, do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking this medication.

What are the side effects of Lithium?

Most Common - Diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, muscular weakness and lack of coordination.
Central Nervous System - Tremor, seizures, slurred speech, dizziness, fainting, night blindness, urinary incontinence, restlessness, confusion, stupor, coma, tongue movements, tics, ringing in the ear, hallucinations, poor memory, slowed intellectual functioning, startled response, worsening of organic brain syndrome and myasthenia gravis.
Heart - Abnormal heart rhythm, low blood pressure, poor blood circulation and slow heart rate.
Gastrointestinal - Loss of appetite, nausea, salivary gland swelling, abdominal pain, excessive salivation, flatulence and indigestion.
Genitourinary - Increased glucose in urine, less urination, increased level of blood sugar with symptoms including increased urination and thirst.
Skin - Drying and thinning of hair, hair loss, pimples, itching, rash and skin ulcers.
Autonomic - Blurred vision, dry mouth and impotence/sexual dysfunction.
Metabolic - Goiter.

What are the other precautions for Lithium?

* Avoid excess dosage.

What are the storage conditions for Lithium?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children.

Schedule H

Prescription drugs - Drugs to be sold only under the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner.