Lithium..Eskalith

موضوع: Lithium..Eskalith الخميس أكتوبر 09, 2008 6:48 pm

Lithium

Trade name: Eskalith, Lithobid

Drug class: Antimanic drug

Therapeutic actions

Mechanism is not known; alters sodium
transport in nerve and muscle cells; inhibits release of norepinephrine
and dopamine, but not serotonin, from stimulated neurons; slightly
increases intraneuronal stores of catecholamines

Dosage

Individualize dosage according to serum levels and clinical response

Acute mania: 600 mg PO tid
Long-term use: 300 mg PO tid–qid

Indications

Treatment of manic episodes of manic-depressive illness; maintenance therapy to prevent or diminish frequency and intensity of subsequent manic episodes

Unlabeled use: Improvement of neutrophil counts in patients with cancer

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to tartrazine

Significant renal or CV disease

Severe debilitation,dehydration

Sodium depletion, patients on diuretics _lithium decreases sodium reabsorption, and hyponatremia increases lithium retention

pregnancy, lactation

Side effects

CNS: Tremor, confusion, drowsiness, blurred vision, ataxia

GI: Persistent GI upset, gastritis, abdominal pain,flatulence, indigestion

CV: ECG changes; hyperkalemia, rhythmias, CHF, diffuse myocarditis

Dermatologic: Pruritus with or without rash

Nursing considerations

Take this drug exactly as prescribed, after meals or with food or milk

Eat a normal diet with normal salt intake; maintain adequate fluid intake - at least 2.5 quarts/day

Arrange for frequent checkups, including blood tests. Keep all
appointments for checkups to get the most benefits with the least
toxicity

Assess for S & S of side effects

Discontinue drug when toxicity occur
Use cautiously with protracted sweating and diarrhea; suicidal or impulsive patients; infection with fever