Lecture 14: Lithium poisoning Flashcards
1
Q
What is lithium used for
A
prescribed as a mood-stabilising drug in manic depressive disease
2
Q
where is lithium eliminated from
A
Kidneys only
3
Q
What is lithium clearance proportional to
A
glomerular filtration rate
4
Q
How does dehydration affect lithium poisoning
A
exacerbates it as dehydration results in reduced circulating volume leading to reduced glomerular filtration rate so reduced lithium clearance
5
Q
What are two classic neurological features of lithium poisoning in mild to moderate cases
A
- fine tremor
- Nystagmus = horizontal jerking of the eyes
6
Q
Neurological features in cases of severe lithium poisoning (4)
A
- Muscle rigidity
- Coma
- Seizures
- Respiratory depression
7
Q
Management of lithium poisoning (2)
A
- A-B-C of resuscitation
- Lots of fluids to maintain good renal output
