Ortho Oracle - orthopaedic operative atlas
Home » Ortho Related » Medications » Lithium Carbonate / Eskalith

Lithium Carbonate / Eskalith



- Discussion:
    - for manic episodes of main depressive illness;
    - acute mania: 600mg PO tid or 900mg SR bid;
    - maintainance: 300mg PO tid/qid, may take 2 weeks for therapeutic effects;
    - dosage must be titrated; follow serums levels,
    - common side effects are: GI symptoms, polyuria, tremor, reversible DI;
    - sodium retention diuretics (Na losing) may potentiate toxicity;
    - check levels at 4-5 days after initiation; therapeutic: 0.6-1.2 mmol/lit; >2.0=toxic;
    - caution in patients with NSAIDS:
          - NSAIDS may increase serum lithium levels