MedDataToolLithium is a medication used to help stabilize mood in people with bipolar I disorder, particularly during manic or mixed episodes, and for ongoing maintenance treatment. While the exact way it works in the body isn't fully understood, it helps balance chemicals in the brain that affect mood. It comes in capsule form, and adults and children over 30 kg typically start with 300 mg taken three times a day, with a maximum dose that can be adjusted based on blood tests. It's important to know that lithium should not be used if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Additionally, if you are taking diuretics, which are medications that help remove excess fluid from the body, you should be cautious, as they can affect how lithium works.
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Uses
- treatment of acute manic episodes in patients 7 years and older. treatment of mixed episodes in patients 7 years and older. maintenance treatment in patients 7 years and older.
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Dosage
Adults over 30 kg: 300 mg three times daily.
Pediatric patients 20 to 30 kg: 300 mg twice daily.
Monitor serum lithium levels after 3 days.
Adjust dose based on serum lithium levels.
Evaluate renal function and other health factors before starting.
Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for your dose.
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Side effects
Common
fine hand tremorpolyuriamild thirstnauseageneral discomfortPediatric: nausea/vomitingthyroid abnormalitiesdizzinessrashblurry vision
Serious
lithium toxicitychronic kidney diseaseserotonin syndrome
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Warnings
⚠ Important warnings
- Lithium toxicity can occur at therapeutic doses.
- Monitor serum lithium levels regularly.
- Avoid use in patients with severe renal impairment.
- Pregnant women may need dosage adjustments.
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Drug interactions
- Diureticsmay increase lithium levelsCaution
- NSAIDsmay increase lithium levelsCaution
- Serotonergic drugsrisk of serotonin syndromeCaution
- Antipsychoticsrisk of neurologic adverse reactionsCaution
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Answers pulled from the FDA label only.
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Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).