Lithium Flashcards

1
Q

Uses of lithium

A

mood stabiliser used prophylactically in bipolar disorder

Also used as an adjunct in refractory depression.

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2
Q

Describe Lithium’s therapeutic range

A

narrow 0.4-1.0mmol/L

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3
Q

how is lithium excreted?

A

Renally excreted

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4
Q

Lithium mechanism of action

A

interferes with
- inositol triphosphate formation
- cAMP formation

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5
Q

Name common adverse effects of lithium

A

N+V/ diarrhoea
tremor
nephrotoxicity
thyroid enlargement (hypothyroidism)
weight gain
idiopathic intracranial hypertension
high WCC
hyperparathyroidism (high Ca2+)

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6
Q

How does lithium cause nephrotoxicity?

A

polyuria is secondary to nephrogenic diabetes insipidus

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7
Q

ECG changes present in patients taking lithium

A

T wave flattening/inversion

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8
Q

Describe how lithium levels should be monitored

A
  • Sample 12 hours post-dose
  • perform weekly after starting lithium and after each dose change until concentrations are stable
  • then Lithium level every 3 months
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9
Q

What additional tests should be checked every 6 months in patients on lithium therapy?

A

thyroid and renal function

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