Li-Liquid

What is it?

Lithium salt available as a sugar-free liquid containing lithium as citrate in concentrations of 5.4mmol and 10.8mmol per 5ml.

Medical Uses

Mania, hypomania (excitable, hyperactive and irritable), self-mutilation, extreme mood changes, persistent depression that has failed to respond to other treatments, prevention of recurrent affective disorders.

Dosage

Adults, 10.8-32.4mmol per day at first in 2 divided doses. Lithium levels in blood to be maintained between 0.5 to 0.8mmol per litre, when tested 12 hours following last dose. Consult manufacturer's instructions.

Special Care

Treatment should be started in hospital under specialist supervision and salt and fluid intake should be monitored and maintained. Kidney, heart and thyroid functions must be monitored. Patients should report any symptoms of intoxication.

Avoid Use

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, underactive thyroid gland activity which is not being treated, Addison's disease, kidney or heart insufficiency, sodium imbalance.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

NSAIDs, phenytoin, diuretics, carbamazepine, diazepam, flupenthixol, methyldopa, haloperidol, tetracyclines, metoclopramide.

Known Side Effects

Hand tremor, weak muscles, diarrhoea, nausea, oedema, weight gain, disturbances to central nervous system and in ECG, skin changes, poiyuria (passing of large quantities of urine), polydipsia (excessive, abnormal thirst), hypo- or hyperthyroidism (under or overactive thyroid gland).