Lithium carbonate

Absorption

Lithium absorption is rapid and oral bioavailability is close to 100%.

Toxicity

In rats, the oral LD50 is 525mg/kg and the inhalation LC50 is >2.17mg/L over 4 hours.
There is insufficient data regarding the carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or fertility impairment of lithium carbonate. However, studies in rats and mice have shown repeated daily dosing of lithium carbonate result in adverse effects on male reproductive organs, spermatogenesis, and testosterone levels.
There is conflicting evidence regarding the incidence of cardiovascular abnormalities in first trimester administration of lithium. Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus and fertility overall. The risk and benefit of lithium use in pregnancy must be weighed and should lithium treatment continue in pregnancy, serum lithium concentrations should be regularly monitored, dosages should be adjusted, and lithium should be decreased or stopped 2 or 3 days before delivery to avoid maternal and/or neonatal toxicity.
Breastfeeding is not recommended with maternal lithium use but if it is continued, the infant should be monitored for thyroid function and symptoms of lithium toxicity such as hypertonia, hypothermia, cyanosis, and ECG changes.
Safety in effectiveness in patients under 12 years has not been established, however dosing for patients 12 years and older is similar to that of adult patients.
Safety in geriatric patients has not been established, however caution is advised when using lithium as this population is more likely to have impaired renal function.
Patients with creatinine clearance between 30mL/min and 89mL/min should be started at a lower dose and slowly titrated to the correct dose while monitoring serum lithium levels. Patients with a creatinine clearance less than 30mL/min should not take lithium, especially in the case of a low sodium diet.

The Uses of Lithium carbonate

Lithium carbonate is used as a compound for producing metallic lithium. Lithium carbonate is the result of treating the mineral spodumene with sulfuric acid and then adding calcium carbonate. It is used as an antidepressant.

Background

Lithium has been used to treat manic episodes since the 19th century. Though it is widely used, its mechanism of action is still unknown. Lithium carbonate has a narrow therapeutic range and so careful monitoring is required to avoid adverse effects.

Indications

Lithium carbonate is indicated as a monotherapy for the treatment of acute manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar 1 disorder in patients ≥7 years of age. It is also indicated as a maintenance treatment for bipolar 1 disorder in patients ≥7 years of age.

What are the applications of Application

Lithium carbonate is a lithium preparation used to interfere with neurotransmission

Pharmacokinetics

Lithium's 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.

Metabolism

Lithium carbonate is not metabolized before excretion.