Lithium Flashcards
Uses of lithium
mood stabiliser used prophylactically in bipolar disorder
Also used as an adjunct in refractory depression.
Describe Lithium’s therapeutic range
narrow 0.4-1.0mmol/L
how is lithium excreted?
Renally excreted
Lithium mechanism of action
interferes with
- inositol triphosphate formation
- cAMP formation
Name common adverse effects of lithium
N+V/ diarrhoea
tremor
nephrotoxicity
thyroid enlargement (hypothyroidism)
weight gain
idiopathic intracranial hypertension
high WCC
hyperparathyroidism (high Ca2+)
How does lithium cause nephrotoxicity?
polyuria is secondary to nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
ECG changes present in patients taking lithium
T wave flattening/inversion
Describe how lithium levels should be monitored
- 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
What additional tests should be checked every 6 months in patients on lithium therapy?
thyroid and renal function