Lithium Carbonate
Generic Details
Generic Name
Lithium Carbonate
Other Names
- Lithium
- LiCO3
Drug Class
- Mood Stabilizer
Chemical Formula
Li2CO3
Molecular Weight
73.89 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Exact mechanism in bipolar disorder is unknown; may involve altering neurotransmitter activity
Indications
- Bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness)
- Prevention of recurrent manic and depressive episodes
Common Dosage Forms
- Tablet
- Capsule
- Liquid
Typical Dosage
- 600-1800 mg daily in divided doses
Pediatric Dosage
- Dosage should be individualized based on weight and age
Geriatric Dosage
- Dosage adjustments may be necessary due to decreased renal function
Side Effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Fine hand tremor
- Polyuria
- Weight gain
- Hypothyroidism
Contraindications
- Severe cardiovascular disease
- Sodium depletion
- Significant renal or thyroid impairment
Pregnancy Category
- D
Lactation Safety
- Caution advised. Limited data available
Drug Interactions
- Diuretics
- NSAIDs
- ACE Inhibitors
- Methyldopa
Overdose Symptoms
- Ataxia
- Drowsiness
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Blurred vision
- Seizures
- Coma
Antidote for Overdose
- Discontinue lithium
- Administer supportive care
- Consider hemodialysis in severe cases
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Rapid and almost complete
- Distribution: Enters cerebrospinal fluid and breast milk; widely distributed in body tissues
- Metabolism: Not metabolized
- Excretion: Primarily renally excreted
Precautions
- Monitor lithium levels regularly
- Stay hydrated to prevent toxicity
Warnings
- Risk of lithium toxicity with narrow therapeutic index
- Avoid abrupt changes in sodium intake