What Are the Different Types of Lithium Medication?

Lithium carbonate, an inorganic compound with the chemical formula LiCO, is a colorless monoclinic crystal or white powder. The density is 2.11g / cm³. Melting point is 618 ° C (1.013 × 10Pa). Soluble in dilute acid. Slightly soluble in water, the solubility in cold water is greater than in hot water. Insoluble in alcohol and acetone. Can be used to make ceramics, drugs, catalysts, etc. Commonly used lithium-ion battery raw materials.

For the preparation of various lithium compounds,

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Lithium carbonate is often used to treat bipolar disorder. It stabilizes mood by stabilizing calcium and serotonin, and combats antimanic. Its biological efficiency is also very good. Take 2-3 times a day. It is quickly excreted through the kidneys, but it is a burden on the kidneys, so if the patient's kidney function is not good, it can easily cause lithium poisoning.

In fact, this medicine is prone to poisoning, so you should check your blood regularly when taking this medicine. The lithium content in the blood must be maintained between 0.6-1.2mEq / L. If it exceeds 1.5mEq / L, it will cause lithium poisoning. Poisoning may occur even in normal blood levels.

Lithium poisoning:

<1.5mEq / L: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, thirst, polyuria, weakness, slurred speech

1.5mEq / L-2.0mEq / L: gastrointestinal upset, tremor, confusion, changes in electrocardiogram (EKG), lethargy

2.1mEq / L-2.5mEq / L: ataxia, drowsiness, severe EKG changes, blurred vision, tinnitus, coma

> 2.5mEq / L: seizure, kidney failure, death.

Lithium carbonate is a teratogenic drug (pregnancy category D), so pregnant women should use it with caution. Taking this medicine in the first 3 months of pregnancy may cause about 11% of fetal heart malformations.

If there is very little sodium in the body (such as when taking diuretics or dehydration), the body will use lithium as a salt to keep it from being excreted, causing lithium poisoning. Therefore, when taking this medicine, drink plenty of water and eat more sodium.

Before taking medication to a patient:

1. Whether the patient has lithium poisoning.

2. Whether the lithium content in the patient's blood exceeds the standard.

3. Check the creatinine to see if the patient's kidney function is good.

4. Check if the patient's blood sodium level is too low.

5. Check if the patient is taking diuretics.

Due to the diuretic effect of lithium, urine volume should be checked while the patient is taking the medication. If the patient feels nauseous while taking the medicine, take some food while taking the medicine to reduce the feeling of nausea.

Contraindications: Patients with dehydration, heart disease, kidney disease, and sodium imbalance should not take this medicine. ^[3]