Lithium

Category: pharmacological

Aliases: Lithobid, Eskalith

Pharmacological Mechanism

Monovalent cation — exact mechanism unclear; inhibits GSK-3β, IMPase (depleting myo-inositol), and modulates neurotransmitter release. First-line mood stabilizer for bipolar maintenance + suicidality reduction. Narrow therapeutic index (0.6–1.2 mEq/L) — TDM mandatory. Renal-cleared; thiazides + ACEi raise levels.

Half-Life (t½)

PO: 24h

Dosing Guidelines

• PO: Typical 900mg (Range: 300 - 1800 mg)

Target Organ Systems

• nervous
• renal