$Unique_ID{BRK02004}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{LITHIUM}
$Subject{Cibalith-S (Ciba)
Eskalith (Smith Kline & French)
Eskalith CR (Smith Kline & French)
Lithane (Miles Pharmaceutical)
lithium carbonate (various manufacturers)
lithium citrate (various manufacturers)
Lithobid (Ciba)
Lithonate (Reid-Rowell)
Lithotabs (Reid-Rowell)}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Eskalith*0200401.scf
Lithobid*0200402.scf}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


LITHIUM
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Cibalith-S (Ciba)
     Eskalith (Smith Kline & French)
     Eskalith CR (Smith Kline & French)
     Lithane (Miles Pharmaceutical)
     lithium carbonate (various manufacturers)
     lithium citrate (various manufacturers)
     Lithobid (Ciba)
     Lithonate (Reid-Rowell)
     Lithotabs (Reid-Rowell)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antimanic (mood stabilizer)
INGREDIENT:
     lithium
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Tablets (300 mg)
     Extended-release tablets (300 mg and 450 mg)
     Capsules (150 mg, 300 mg, and 600 mg)
     Syrup (300 mg per 5-ml spoonful, with 0.3% alcohol)
STORAGE:
     Lithium tablets, capsules, and syrup should be stored at room temperature
       away from heat and direct sunlight.  The syrup should not be frozen.
       Do not store the medication in the bathroom cabinet, because moisture
       may cause the breakdown of lithium.  Do not keep these medications
       beyond the expiration date.

USES

     Lithium is a medication used to control the manic (excited) phase of
manic-depressive illness.  Manic-depressive patients often experience unstable
emotions ranging from excitement to hostility to depression.  The mechanism of
the moodstabilizing effect of lithium is unknown, but it appears to work on
the central nervous system to control emotions.

TREATMENT

     Lithium should be taken exactly as directed by your doctor.  The
effectiveness of this medication depends upon the amount of lithium in your
bloodstream.  Therefore, the medication should be taken every day at regularly
spaced intervals in order to keep a constant amount of lithium in your
bloodstream.
     The syrup form must be measured carefully with a specially designed 5-ml
measuring spoon.  An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not accurate enough.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as possible.
However, if it is within two hours (six hours for extended-release tablets) of
your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular
schedule.  Do not take more than one dose at a time.
     An improvement in your condition may not be observed for up to several
weeks after you start to take this medication.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Acne, bloating, diarrhea, drowsiness, increased frequency of urination,
increased thirst, nausea, trembling of the hands, weight gain, or weakness or
tiredness.  These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to this
medication.

     Major.

     Blurred vision, clumsiness, confusion, convulsions, difficulty in
breathing, dizziness, fainting, palpitations, severe trembling, and slurred
speech are possible effects of too much drug in the bloodstream.  Dry, rough
skin; hair loss; hoarseness; swelling of the feet or lower legs; swelling of
the neck; unusual sensitivity to the cold; unusual tiredness; or unusual
weight gain may be the result of low thyroid function caused by the
medication.  CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if any of these side effects
appear.

INTERACTIONS

     Lithium interacts with a number of other types of medications:
     1. Aminophylline, caffeine, verapamil, acetazolamide, sodium bicarbonate,
dyphylline, oxtriphylline, and theophylline can increase the elimination of
lithium from the body, thus decreasing its effectiveness.
     2. Diuretics (water pills), especially hydrochlorothiazide,
chlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide
combination, and furosemide may cause lithium toxicity by delaying the body's
lithium elimination.
     3. Chlorpromazine, other phenothiazine tranquilizers, ibuprofen,
indomethacin, naproxen, and piroxicam can also slow lithium elimination.
     4. Lithium can increase the side effects of haloperidol.
     5. Phenytoin, methyldopa, carbamazepine, and tetracycline can increase
the side effects of lithium.
     6. Drinking large amounts of caffeine-containing coffees, teas, or colas
may reduce the effectiveness of lithium by increasing its elimination from the
body through the urine.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to lithium.
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had diabetes
mellitus, epilepsy, heart disease, kidney disease, Parkinson's disease, or
thyroid disease.
     * Elderly patients may be more sensitive to lithium's side effects.
     * In order to maintain a constant level of lithium in your bloodstream,
it is important to drink two to three quarts of water or other fluids each day
and not to change the amount of salt in your diet, unless your doctor directs
you to do so.
     * The loss of large amounts of body fluid (from prolonged vomiting or
diarrhea or from heavy sweating due to hot weather, fever, exercise, saunas,
or hot baths) can result in increased lithium levels in the blood, which can
lead to an increase in side effects.
     * The toxic dose of lithium is very close to the therapeutic dose, so it
is extremely important to follow your correct dosing schedule.  Diarrhea,
drowsiness, lack of coordination, muscular weakness, and vomiting may be signs
of toxicity.  If these symptoms occur for any length of time or begin shortly
after taking a dose, inform your doctor.
     * Lithium is not recommended for use during pregnancy, especially during
the first three months, because of possible effects on the thyroid and heart
of the developing fetus.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
Lithium also passes into breast milk and may cause side effects in the nursing
infant.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
