Lithium Carbonate Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the generic name for Lithium Carbonate?

Eskalith

What is the pharmacologic classification of Lithium Carbonate?

Antipsychotic, Mood Stabilizer

What is the therapeutic classification of Lithium?

Antipsychotic; antimanic, antidepressant

What is the FDA category of Lithium?

Preg: D Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism of action for Lithium?

Decreases overactivity of receptors involved in stimulating manic states; accelerates catecholamine destruction; inhibits release of neurotransmitters and decreases sensitivity of postsynaptic receptors. Signup and view all the answers

How is Lithium metabolized and excreted?

Not metabolized, eliminated in urine through kidneys. Signup and view all the answers

What is the dosage and route for Lithium?

PO: Loading dose 600mg t.i.d., or 900mg sustained release b.i.d. PO: Maintenance dose: 800 mg t.i.d or q.i.d. Signup and view all the answers

What are the contraindications and interactions of Lithium?

Dizziness, headache, fatigue, slurred speech, coma, seizures, ventricular arrhythmias, syncope, Brugada syndrome, goiter, hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroid syndrome, pseudotumor cerebri, Raynaud phenomenon, diabetes insipidus. Signup and view all the answers

What is the pre-administration assessment for Lithium?

Monitor reaction to drug; notify provider of progress; periodic lithium levels must be tested; monitor for signs of lithium toxicity. Signup and view all the answers

What are the nursing administration techniques for Lithium?

Give with meals, protect from light and moisture. Signup and view all the answers

What is important for evaluation/patient teaching for Lithium?

Be alert to increased urine output and persistent thirst; drink plenty of liquids; do not perform hazardous activities until side effects are known. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lithium Carbonate Overview

Generic name for Lithium Carbonate is Eskalith.
Classified pharmacologically as an antipsychotic and mood stabilizer.
Therapeutically classified as an antipsychotic, antimanic, and antidepressant.

FDA Classification

Lithium is categorized as Pregnancy Category D, indicating potential risks.

Mechanism of Action

Lithium decreases the overactivity of receptors linked to manic states.
It accelerates catecholamine destruction, inhibits neurotransmitter release, and reduces sensitivity of postsynaptic receptors.

Metabolism and Excretion

Lithium is not metabolized by the body and is eliminated through urine by the kidneys.

Dosage and Administration

Loading dose: 600 mg taken three times daily or 900 mg of sustained release taken twice daily.
Maintenance dose: 800 mg taken three to four times daily.

Contraindications and Interactions

Possible side effects include dizziness, headache, fatigue, slurred speech, as well as severe reactions like coma and seizures.
Other serious conditions include ventricular arrhythmias, syncope, Brugada syndrome, goiter, and diabetes insipidus.

Pre-Administration Assessment

Monitor patient response to medication, noting that it takes 1-2 weeks to observe effects.
Regular lithium level testing is necessary.
Watch for signs of lithium toxicity: vomiting, diarrhea, coordination issues, drowsiness, muscular weakness, and slurred speech.
Avoid abrupt cessation of the medication.

Nursing Administration Techniques

Lithium should be administered with meals.
Protect lithium from light and moisture to maintain stability.

Patient Education and Evaluation

Patients should be aware of increased urine output and persistent thirst as common effects.
Advise to contact a provider if diarrhea or fever occurs.
Encourage adequate liquid intake and contraception use.
Caution against performing hazardous activities until side effects are understood.

Description

Test your knowledge about Lithium Carbonate with these informative flashcards. Explore its generic name, pharmacologic and therapeutic classifications, FDA category, and mechanism of action. Perfect for pharmacy students or healthcare professionals looking to refresh their memory.