QuickView for lithium (compound)

Summary
General Info

PubChem

PubChem Compound 139759

Name:	Lithium
PubChem Compound ID:	139759
Description:	An element in the alkali metals family. It has the atomic symbol Li, atomic number 3, and atomic weight [6.938; 6.997]. Salts of lithium are used in treating BIPOLAR DISORDER.
Molecular formula:	Li₂
Molecular weight:	13.882 g/mol
Synonyms:	LI2; Lithium; Lithium dimer; 14452-59-6

DrugBank

Identification

Name:	Lithium
Name (isomeric):	DB01356
Drug Type:	small molecule
Description:	An element in the alkali metals family. It has the atomic symbol Li, atomic number 3, and atomic weight [6.938; 6.997]. Salts of lithium are used in treating BIPOLAR DISORDER.
Brand:	LithoTab, Eskalith
CAS number:	7439-93-2

Pharmacology

Indication:	Lithium is used as a mood stabilizer, and is used for treatment of depression and mania. It is often used in bipolar disorder treatment.
Pharmacology:	Although lithium has been used for over 50 years in treatment of bipolar disorder, the mechanism of action is still unknown. Lithium's therapeutic action may be due to a number of effects, ranging from inhibition of enzymes such as glycogen synthase kinase 3, inositol phosphatases, or modulation of glutamate receptors.
Mechanism of Action:	The precise mechanism of action of Li+ as a mood-stabilizing agent is currently unknown. It is possible that Li+ produces its effects by interacting with the transport of monovalent or divalent cations in neurons. An increasing number of scientists have come to the conclusion that the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate is the key factor in under... show more » The precise mechanism of action of Li+ as a mood-stabilizing agent is currently unknown. It is possible that Li+ produces its effects by interacting with the transport of monovalent or divalent cations in neurons. An increasing number of scientists have come to the conclusion that the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate is the key factor in understanding how lithium works. Lithium has been shown to change the inward and outward currents of glutamate receptors (especially GluR3), without a shift in reversal potential. Lithium has been found to exert a dual effect on glutamate receptors, acting to keep the amount of glutamate active between cells at a stable, healthy level, neither too much nor too little. It is postulated that too much glutamate in the space between neurons causes mania, and too little, depression. Another mechanism by which lithium might help to regulate mood include the non-competitive inhibition of an enzyme called inositol monophosphatase. Alternately lithium's action may be enhanced through the deactivation of the GSK-3B enzyme. The regulation of GSK-3B by lithium may affect the circadian clock. GSK-3 is known for phosphorylating and thus inactivating glycogen synthase. GSK-3B has also been implicated in the control of cellular response to damaged DNA. GSK-3 normally phosphorylates beta catenin, which leads to beta catenin degratation. When GSK-3 is inhibited, beta catenin increases and transgenic mice with overexpression of beta catenin express similar behaviour to mice treated with lithium. These results suggest that increase of beta catenin may be a possible pathway for the therapeutic action of lithium. show less «

Interactions

Food interaction:

Avoid iodine supplements.

Avoid alcohol.

Do not change your salt intake from day to day without telling your doctor.

Avoid excessive quantities of coffee or tea (Caffeine).

Take with food to reduce irritation. Drink plenty of liquids.

Drug interaction:

Tenoxicam	Tenoxicam may increase the serum concentration of Lithium. A dose adjustment of Lithium may be required. Monitor for changes in Lithium therapeutic and adverse effects if Tenoxicam is initiated, discontinued or dose changed.
Hydroflumethiazide	The thiazide diuretic, hydroflumethiazide, may increase serum levels of lithium.
Meloxicam	Meloxicam increases serum levels of lithium
Trimipramine	Increased risk of serotonin syndrome. Monitor for symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
Topiramate	Topiramate could modify lithium levels

Tenoxicam	Tenoxicam may increase the serum concentration of Lithium. A dose adjustment of Lithium may be required. Monitor for changes in Lithium therapeutic and adverse effects if Tenoxicam is initiated, discontinued or dose changed.
Hydroflumethiazide	The thiazide diuretic, hydroflumethiazide, may increase serum levels of lithium.
Meloxicam	Meloxicam increases serum levels of lithium
Trimipramine	Increased risk of serotonin syndrome. Monitor for symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
Topiramate	Topiramate could modify lithium levels
Perindopril	The ACE inhibitor increases serum levels of lithium
Tranylcypromine	Increased risk of serotonin syndrome. Use caution during concomitant therapy and monitor for symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
Quinapril	The ACE inhibitor increases serum levels of lithium
Sodium bicarbonate	The urine alkalizer decreases the effect of lithium
Hydrochlorothiazide	The thiazide diuretic, hydrochlorothiazide, may increase serum levels of lithium.
Tolmetin	Tolmetin may increase the risk of Lithium toxicity by decreasing the renal elminiation of Lithium. A dose adjustment of Lithium may be required. Monitor for changes in Lithium therapeutic and adverse effects if Tolmetin is initiated, discontinued or dose changed.
Forasartan	The ARB increases serum levels of lithium
Haloperidol	Possible extrapyramidal effects and neurotoxicity with this combination
Chlorothiazide	The thiazide diuretic, chlorothiazide, may increase serum levels of lithium.
Diflunisal	The NSAID, diflunisal, may decrease the renal excretion of lithium. Increased risk of lithium toxicity.
Tobramycin	Increased risk of nephrotoxicity
Tasosartan	The ARB increases serum levels of lithium
Quinethazone	The thiazide diuretic, quinethazone, may increase serum levels of lithium.
Eprosartan	The ARB increases serum levels of lithium
Trazodone	Increased risk of serotonin syndrome. Monitor for symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
Fosinopril	The ACE inhibitor increases serum levels of lithium
Metronidazole	Metronidazole increases the effect and toxicity of lithium
Captopril	The ACE inhibitor increases serum levels of lithium
Chlorthalidone	The thiazide diuretic, chlorthalidone, may increase serum levels of lithium.
Theophylline	Theophylline decreases serum levels of lithium
Lisinopril	The ACE inhibitor increases serum levels of lithium
Spirapril	The ACE inhibitor increases serum levels of lithium
Aminophylline	Theophylline decreases serum levels of lithium
Candesartan	The ARB increases serum levels of lithium
Verapamil	Signs of lithium toxicity
Indapamide	The thiazide diuretic, indapamide, may increase serum levels of lithium.
Polythiazide	The thiazide diuretic, polythiazide, may increase serum levels of lithium.
Zolmitriptan	Use of two serotonin modulators, such as zolmitriptan and lithium, increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Consider alternate therapy or monitor for serotonin syndrome during concomitant therapy.
Fluvoxamine	The SSRI, fluvoxamine, increases serum levels of lithium.
Diclofenac	The NSAID, diclofenac, may decrease the renal excretion of lithium. Increased risk of lithium toxicity.
Caffeine	Caffeine decreases serum levels of lithium
Trichlormethiazide	Trichlormethiazide may increase the serum concentration of Lithium by decreasing Lithium excretion. Monitor for changes in the therapeutic/adverse effects of Lithium if Trichlorthiazide is initiated, discontinued or dose changed.
Eplerenone	Eplerenone increases serum levels of lithium
Fluoxetine	The SSRI, fluoxetine, increases serum levels of lithium.
Lumiracoxib	The COX-2 inhibitor increases serum levels of lithium
Valsartan	Valsartan may increase serum lithium concentrations. Monitor serum lithium levels during concomitant therapy to avoid lithium toxicity.
Telmisartan	Telmisartan may increase serum Lithium concentrations. Monitor serum Lithium levels during concomitant therapy to avoid Lithium toxicity.
Methyclothiazide	The thiazide diuretic, methyclothiazide, may increase serum levels of lithium.
Oxtriphylline	Theophylline decreases serum levels of lithium
Methyldopa	Methyldopa may increase the adverse effects of lithium without affecting lithium serum levels. Monitor for signs and symptoms of lithium toxicity during concomitant therapy.
Trandolapril	Trandolapril may increase the serum concentration of Lithium increasing the risk of Lithium toxicity. Monitor for changes in Lithium serum concentrations, toxicity and efficacy if Trandolapril is initiated, discontinued or dose changed.
Celecoxib	The COX-2 inhibitor increases serum levels of lithium
Naproxen	The NSAID, naproxen, may decrease the renal excretion of lithium. Increased risk of lithium toxicity.
Ibuprofen	The NSAID, ibuprofen, may decrease the renal excretion of lithium. Increased risk of lithium toxicity.
Mefenamic acid	The NSAID, mefenamic acid, may decrease the renal excretion of lithium. Increased risk of lithium toxicity.
Venlafaxine	Increased risk of serotonin syndrome. Monitor for symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
Potassium	The urine alkalizer decreases the effect of lithium
Citric Acid	The urine alkalizer decreases the effect of lithium
Saprisartan	The ARB increases serum levels of lithium
Sibutramine	Possible serotoninergic syndrome with this combination
Cyclothiazide	The thiazide diuretic, cyclothiazide, may increase serum levels of lithium.
Etoricoxib	Etoricoxib increases serum levels of lithium
Iodine	Possible hypothyroidism with this combination
Valdecoxib	The COX-2 inhibitor increases serum levels of lithium
Cilazapril	The ACE inhibitor increases serum levels of lithium
Ketorolac	The NSAID, ketorolac, may decrease the renal excretion of lithium. Increased risk of lithium toxicity.
Benazepril	The ACE inhibitor increases serum levels of lithium
Benzthiazide	The thiazide diuretic, benzthiazide, may increase serum levels of lithium.
Desvenlafaxine	Increased risk of serotonin syndrome. Monitor for symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
Tiaprofenic acid	Tiaprofenic acid may increase the therapeutic/adverse effects of Lithium by increasing Lithium serum concentrations. Monitor for changes in the therapeutic/adverse effects of Lithium if Tiaprofenic acid is initiated, discontinued or dose changed.
Moexipril	The ACE inhibitor increases serum levels of lithium
Sumatriptan	Possible serotoninergic syndrome with this combination
Irbesartan	The ARB increases serum levels of lithium
Enalapril	The ACE inhibitor increases serum levels of lithium
Indomethacin	The NSAID, indomethacin, may decrease the renal excretion of lithium. Increased risk of lithium toxicity.
Piroxicam	The NSAID, piroxicam, may decrease the renal excretion of lithium. Increased risk of lithium toxicity.
Ketoprofen	The NSAID, ketoprofen, may increase the serum concentration of lithium by decreasing its renal clearance. Consider a dose reduction in lithium upon initiation of ketoprofen therapy. Monitor for changes in the therapeutic and adverse effects of lithium if ketoprofen is initiated, discontinued or does changed.
Metolazone	The thiazide diuretic, metolazone, may increase serum levels of lithium.
Phenylbutazone	The NSAID, phenylbutazone, may decrease the renal excretion of lithium. Increased risk of lithium toxicity.
Dyphylline	Theophylline decreases serum levels of lithium
Losartan	Losartan increases serum levels of lithium
Rofecoxib	The COX-2 inhibitor increases serum levels of lithium
Bendroflumethiazide	The thiazide diuretic, bendroflumethiazide, may increase serum levels of lithium.
Ramipril	The ACE inhibitor increases serum levels of lithium

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Targets

Glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta

Inositol polyphosphate 1-phosphatase

Inositol monophosphatase

Inositol monophosphatase 2

Glutamate receptor 3