Lithium Carbonate
LITHIUM CARBONATE- lithium carbonate capsule
NuCare Pharmaceuticals,Inc.
WARNING: LITHIUM TOXICITY
Lithium toxicity is closely related to serum lithium concentrations, and can occur at doses close to therapeutic concentrations. Facilities for prompt and accurate serum lithium determinations should be available before initiating treatment [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1)].
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Lithium is a mood-stabilizing agent indicated as monotherapy for the treatment of bipolar I disorder:
- • Treatment of acute manic and mixed episodes in patients 7 years and older [see Clinical Studies ( 14)]
- • Maintenance treatment in patients 7 years and older [see Clinical Studies (14)]
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
2.1 Pre-treatment Screening
Before initiating treatment with lithium, renal function, vital signs, serum electrolytes, and thyroid function should be evaluated. Concurrent medications should be assessed, and if the patient is a woman of childbearing potential, pregnancy status and potential should be considered.
2.2 Recommended Dosage
See Table 1 for dosage recommendations for acute and maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder in adult and pediatric patients (7 to 17 years).
Obtain serum lithium concentration assay after 3 days, drawn 12 hours after the last oral dose and regularly until patient is stabilized. Fine hand tremor, polyuria, and thirst may occur during initial therapy for the acute manic phase and may persist throughout treatment. Nausea and general discomfort may also appear during the first few days of lithium administration. These adverse reactions may subside with continued treatment, concomitant administration with food, or temporary reduction or cessation of dosage.
Table 1. Lithium Dosing for Bipolar I Disorder
Patient Group | Formulation | Starting Dose | Dose Titration | Acute Goal | Maintenance Goal | ||
Serum Level | Usual Dose | Serum Level | Usual Dose | ||||
Adult and Pediatric Patients over 30 kg | Capsules | 300 mg three times daily | 300 mg every 3 days | 0.8 to 1.2 mEq/L | 600 mg two to three times daily | 0.8 to 1 mEq/L | 300 to 600 mg two to three times daily |
Pediatric Patients 20 to 30 kg | Capsules | 300 mg twice daily | 300 mg weekly | 600 to 1500 mg in divided doses daily | 600 to 1200 mg in divided doses daily |
2.3 Serum Lithium Monitoring
Blood samples for serum lithium determination should be drawn immediately prior to the next dose when lithium concentrations are relatively stable (i.e., 12 hours after the previous dose). Total reliance must not be placed on serum concentrations alone. Accurate patient evaluation requires both clinical and laboratory analysis.
In addition to regular monitoring of serum lithium concentrations for patients on maintenance treatment, serum lithium concentrations should be monitored after any change in dosage, concurrent medication (e.g., diuretics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, renin-angiotensin system antagonists, or metronidazole), marked increase or decrease in routinely performed strenuous physical activity (such as an exercise program) and in the event of a concomitant disease [See Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1), Drug Interactions ( 7.1)].
Patients abnormally sensitive to lithium may exhibit toxic signs at serum concentrations that are within what is considered the therapeutic range. Geriatric patients often respond to reduced dosage, and may exhibit signs of toxicity at serum concentrations ordinarily tolerated by other patients [see Specific Populations ( 8.5)].
2.4 Dosage Adjustments during Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
If the decision is made to continue lithium treatment during pregnancy, monitor serum lithium concentrations and adjust the dosage as needed in a pregnant woman because renal lithium clearance increases during pregnancy. Avoid sodium restriction or diuretic administration. To decrease the risk of postpartum lithium intoxication, decrease or discontinue lithium therapy two to three days before the expected delivery date to reduce neonatal concentrations and reduce the risk of maternal lithium intoxication due to the change in vascular volume which occurs during delivery. At delivery, vascular volume rapidly decreases and the renal clearance of lithium may decrease to pre-pregnancy concentrations. Restart treatment at the preconception dose when the patient is medically stable after delivery with careful monitoring of serum lithium concentrations [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1) and Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1)].
2.5 Dosage Adjustments for Patients with Renal Impairment
Start patients with mild to moderately impaired renal function (creatinine clearance 30 to 89 mL/min evaluated by Cockcroft-Gault) with dosages less than those for patients with normal renal function
[see Dosage and Administration (
2.2)].
Titrate slowly while frequently monitoring serum lithium concentrations and monitoring for signs of lithium toxicity. Lithium is not recommended for use in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than
30 mL/min evaluated by Cockcroft-Gault)
[see Use in Specific Populations (
8.6)]
.
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