Anthropometric Measurements as Predictors of Low Birth Weight Among Tanzanian Neonates: A Hospital-Based Study
November 7, 2025
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Brand Name :
Eskalith, Lithobid
Synonyms :
lithium
Class :
Bipolar Disorder Agents
Brand Name :
Eskalith, Lithobid
Synonyms :
lithium
Class :
Bipolar Disorder Agents
Dosage Forms & StrengthsÂ
TabletÂ
300 mgÂ
Extended-release tabletÂ
300 mgÂ
450 mgÂ
SolutionÂ
8 mEq/5 mlÂ
CapsuleÂ
150 mgÂ
300 mgÂ
600 mgÂ
Indicated for Bipolar Disorder
Extended-release: 900 mg-1800 mg every day orally divided two times a day
Immediate release: 900 mg-1800 mg every day orally divided 3-4 times a day
To reduce adverse drug reactions, decrease the initial dose
Until serum concentration and clinical conditions are balanced, serum lithium levels have to be monitored 12 hrs following the dose, two times a week and every other month afterward
Enhance the dose as tolerated to reach serum lithium Conc. of 0.8-1.2 mEq/lit (i.e., actual goal) or 0.8 mEq/lit -1.0 mEq/lit (i.e., maintenance goal)
Dosage Forms & StrengthsÂ
TabletÂ
300 mgÂ
Extended-release tabletÂ
300 mgÂ
450 mgÂ
SolutionÂ
8 mEq/5 mlÂ
CapsuleÂ
150 mgÂ
300 mgÂ
600 mgÂ
Indicated for Bipolar Disorder as off-label
Age >7 years, body weight <30 kg
300 mg orally two times a day, enhance the dose by 300 mg in a day at weekly intervals depending on tolerability and response; titrate the dose to achieve the serum Conc. of 0.8 mEq/lit -1.2 mEq/lit
Age >7 years, body weight >30 kg
300 mg orally three times a day, the first week of treatment, enhance the dose by 300 mg in a day at weekly intervals depending on tolerability and response; titrate the dose to achieve the serum Conc. of 0.8 mEq/lit -1.2 mEq/lit
Age <7 years
Safety and efficacy not established
Age >12 years
Extended-release tablets:
Body weight <22K.g: 600 mg in a day orally divided two times a day
Body weight 22-41K.g: 900 mg in a day orally divided two times a day
Body weight >41K.g: 1200 mg in a day orally divided two times a day
Enhance the dose as tolerated to reach serum lithium Conc. of 0.8-1.2 mEq/lit (i.e., actual goal) or 0.8 mEq/lit -1.0 mEq/lit (i.e., maintenance goal)
Dose based on weight:
15 mg/kg/dose orally two times a day. It should not exceed 600 mg/dose as an initial dose
Enhance the dose as tolerated to reach serum lithium Conc. of 0.8-1.2 mEq/lit (i.e., actual goal) or 0.8 mEq/lit -1.0 mEq/lit (i.e., maintenance goal
Refer to adult dosingÂ
may enhance the concentration of serum when combined with lithium
may enhance the concentration of serum when combined with lithium
may enhance the concentration of serum when combined with lithium
may enhance the concentration of serum when combined with lithium
may enhance the concentration of serum when combined with lithium
may enhance the concentration of serum when combined with lithium
may enhance the concentration of serum when combined with lithium
may enhance the concentration of serum when combined with lithium
may enhance the concentration of serum when combined with lithium
may enhance the concentration of serum when combined with lithium
lithium: they may diminish the excretion when combined with thiazide
lithium: they may diminish the excretion when combined with thiazide
lithium: they may diminish the excretion when combined with thiazide
lithium: they may diminish the excretion when combined with thiazide
lithium: they may enhance the serum concentration of Angiotensin II Receptor antagonist
lithium: they may enhance the serum concentration of Angiotensin II Receptor antagonist
lithium: they may enhance the serum concentration of Angiotensin II Receptor antagonist
lithium: they may enhance the serum concentration of Angiotensin II Receptor antagonist
lithium: they may enhance the serum concentration of Angiotensin II Receptor antagonist
It may enhance QTc interval when combined with lithium
It may diminish the levels when combined with sodium polystyrene sulfonate by inhibiting gastrointestinal absorption
It may enhance QTc interval when combined with lithium
It may enhance QTc interval when combined with lithium
It may enhance QTc interval when combined with lithium
It may enhance QTc interval when combined with lithium
It may enhance QTc interval when combined with lithium
It may enhance QTc interval when combined with lithium
It may enhance QTc interval when combined with lithium
It may enhance QTc interval when combined with lithium
It may enhance QTc interval when combined with lithium
It may enhance QTc interval when combined with lithium
It may enhance QTc interval when combined with lithium
It may enhance QTc interval when combined with lithium
It may enhance QTc interval when combined with lithium
It may enhance QTc interval when combined with lithium
It may enhance QTc interval when combined with lithium
It may enhance QTc interval when combined with lithium
It may enhance QTc interval when combined with lithium
It may enhance the QTc interval when combined with efavirenz
Could potentially amplify the neurotoxicity of antipsychotic agents
Could potentially amplify the neurotoxicity of antipsychotic agents
Could potentially amplify the neurotoxicity of antipsychotic agents
Could potentially amplify the neurotoxicity of antipsychotic agents
Could potentially amplify the neurotoxicity of antipsychotic agents
oxaceprol decreases the toxicity of lithium
lithium: they may increase the neurotoxic effect of antipsychotic agents
lithium: they may increase the neurotoxic effect of antipsychotic agents
lithium: they may increase the neurotoxic effect of antipsychotic agents
lithium: they may increase the neurotoxic effect of antipsychotic agents
lithium: they may increase the neurotoxic effect of antipsychotic agents
lithium: they may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants
lithium: they may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants
lithium: they may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants
lithium: they may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants
lithium: they may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants
may diminish the effect of each other when combined
may diminish the effect of each other when combined
may diminish the effect of each other when combined
may diminish the effect of each other when combined
sodium picosulfate, citric acid, and magnesium oxide
may diminish the effect of each other when combined
lithium: they may enhance the serum concentration of CYP2D6 Inhibitors
lithium: they may enhance the serum concentration of CYP2D6 Inhibitors
lithium: they may enhance the serum concentration of CYP2D6 Inhibitors
lithium: they may enhance the serum concentration of CYP2D6 Inhibitors
lithium: they may enhance the serum concentration of CYP2D6 Inhibitors
ispaghula husk may lower or decrease the rate of GI absorption of lithium
consuming uva ursi may increase the risk of hazardous blood levels of lithium, a medication used to treat bipolar mental health issue
buchu will raise the concentrations of lithium in the body and leads to side effects
It may enhance QTc interval when combined with lithium
It may enhance QTc interval when combined with lithium
It may enhance QTc interval when combined with lithium
It may enhance QTc interval when combined with lithium
It may enhance QTc interval when combined with lithium
It may enhance QTc interval when combined with lithium
It may enhance QTc interval when combined with lithium
It may enhance QTc interval when combined with lithium
It may enhance QTc interval when combined with lithium
may increase the effects of each other when combined
sodium chloride increases the rate of excretion of lithium
MAO inhibitors increase the serotonergic effect of lithium
MAO inhibitors increase the serotonergic effect of lithium
MAO inhibitors increase the serotonergic effect of lithium
MAO inhibitors increase the serotonergic effect of lithium
MAO inhibitors increase the serotonergic effect of lithium
Actions and Spectrum:Â
lithium is a highly reactive alkali metal found in the periodic table with the atomic number 3. It exhibits a range of fascinating chemical and physical properties. From an action perspective, lithium is known for its powerful reducing properties. It readily donates its single valence electron, making it highly reactive and capable of forming ionic solid bonds with other elements.
This reactivity is most notable when lithium reacts with water, as it vigorously reacts to produce lithium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. The reaction is so exothermic that it can ignite the hydrogen gas, resulting in a fiery display. In terms of its spectrum, lithium displays a distinctive emission spectrum when excited. lithium atoms become excited and transition to higher energy states when subjected to a flame or electrical discharge. As they return to their ground state, they release energy in the form of light.
The emitted light corresponds to specific wavelengths, producing a characteristic spectrum with bright lines. In the case of lithium, these lines appear in the red portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The red emission lines of lithium are commonly used in spectroscopy and flame tests to identify the presence of lithium in compounds or solutions. This unique spectrum allows for the identification and analysis of lithium in various scientific and industrial applications.Â
Frequency definedÂ
>10%Â
Headache Â
Dry mouth Â
LeukocytosisÂ
PolyuriaÂ
Nausea, vomiting, diarrheaÂ
Hand tremorÂ
Electrocardiographic changesÂ
Confusion Â
Muscle twitchÂ
VertigoÂ
HyperreflexiaÂ
Diminished memory Â
Muscle weaknessÂ
1-10%Â
Hair thinning Â
Extrapyramidal symptoms, goiter Â
Acne Â
HypothyroidismÂ
Frequency not definedÂ
lithium-induced polyuriaÂ
Ataxia/gait disturbanceÂ
Renal toxicityÂ
ComaÂ
LethargyÂ
SeizuresÂ
Acute lithium toxicityÂ
Black Box Warning:Â
Contraindication/Caution:Â
ContraindicationÂ
CautionÂ
Pregnancy consideration:Â Â
AU TGA pregnancy category: D
US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned.Â
Lactation:  Â
Excreted into human milk: YesÂ
Pregnancy category:Â
Pharmacology:Â
lithium exerts its pharmacological effects through various mechanisms. It is thought to modulate neurotransmitter systems, including serotonin and norepinephrine, and inhibit the enzyme glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3). These actions contribute to the mood-stabilizing properties of lithium. lithium alters intracellular signaling pathways, such as the inositol phosphate pathway, leading to changes in neuronal excitability and synaptic plasticity. It also influences neuroprotective mechanisms, mitochondrial function, and gene expression. Â
Pharmacodynamics:Â
Mechanism of action: The exact mechanism of action of lithium in the treatment of bipolar disorder and other types of mental health conditions is not fully understood. Â
Pharmacokinetics:Â
AbsorptionÂ
lithium is well-absorbed after oral administration. It is primarily absorbed in the small intestine, with peak plasma concentrations achieved within 2 to 4 hours after ingestion. Food intake can affect the rate and extent of absorption, with higher absorption occurring when lithium is taken with meals.Â
DistributionÂ
lithium is widely distributed throughout the body due to its small size and ionic nature. It readily crosses cell membranes, including the blood-brain barrier, and distributes into various tissues, including the brain, muscles, and kidneys. It does not bind extensively to plasma proteins, allowing it to exist in a free and ionized form in the blood.Â
MetabolismÂ
lithium is not extensively metabolized in the body. It undergoes minimal hepatic metabolism and primarily undergoes renal excretion unchanged. However, it is essential to note that the pharmacological actions of lithium are not solely dependent on metabolic transformation but rather on its direct interactions with cellular components.Â
Elimination and ExcretionÂ
The primary route of lithium excretion is via the kidneys. The glomerulus filters it and undergoes reabsorption and secretion along the renal tubules. The renal clearance of lithium is influenced by factors such as renal function, sodium intake, and fluid balance. Any impairment in renal function can lead to reduced lithium clearance, potentially increasing the risk of lithium accumulation and toxicity.Â
Administration:Â
Oral administrationÂ
lithium is typically administered orally as lithium carbonate or lithium citrate. Following the prescribed dosage and administration instructions a healthcare professional provides is essential. Â
Patient information leafletÂ
Generic Name: lithiumÂ
Pronounced: [ LITH-ee-um ]Â
Why do we use lithium?Â
lithium has several medical and industrial uses. Â
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