Camcolit

What is it?

An antidepressant preparation of lithium salts available as tablets of 2 strengths; as white, scored, film-coated tablets containing 250mg lithium carbonate (equivalent to 6.8mmol Li+) marked CAMCOLIT. Also, as white, scored, modified release, film-coated tablets, containing 400mg lithium carbonate (10.8mmol Li�), marked S and CAMCOLIT

Medical Uses

Treatment and prevention of mania, recurrent bouts of depression, manic depression, aggressive and self- mutilating behaviour.

Dosage

Adults, prevention, maintain serum levels of lithium in range of 0.4 to 8mmol per litre. Treatment: maintain serum levels of lithium in range of 0.6 to 1.0 mmol per litre, under direction of specialist physician.

Special Care

Treatment should be started in hospital with monitoring of plasma lithium concentrations at regular intervals. (Overdosage usually with plasma concentrations in excess of 1.5mmol Li+ per litre can be fatal. ) Adequate fluid and salt intake should be maintained. Monitor thyroid function. Pregnancy. Patients should be advised to report any intoxicating effects.

Avoid Use

Children, breast-feeding, heart or kidney disease, Addison's disease.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

NSAIDs, diuretics, haloperidol, phenytoin, metoclopramide, carbamazepine, flupenthixol, methyldopa, tetracyclines, tricyclic and tetraeyelic antidepressants.

Known Side Effects

Oedema, hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, weight gain, gastro-intestinal upset, diarrhoea and nausea, trembling in hands, muscular weakness, heart and central nervous system disturbance, skin reactions, intense thirst, large volumes of dilute urine.

Manufacturer

Norgine.