6 Questions
What is the primary mechanism by which lithium is eliminated from the body?
Exclusively by the kidneys
Why is lithium's therapeutic index considered narrow?
Because the difference between the minimum effective dose and the toxic dose is relatively small
What is the effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ACE inhibitors, and angiotensin II receptor blockers on lithium levels?
They can acutely reduce glomerular filtration and clearance of lithium, potentially leading to drug toxicity
How do thiazide diuretics affect lithium levels?
They inhibit reabsorption of sodium in the distal convoluted tubule, causing a compensatory increase in reabsorption of lithium in the proximal tubule
What is the effect of potassium-sparing diuretics on lithium levels?
Some can raise lithium levels, while others can lower lithium levels, likely due to effects on both sodium transport and glomerular filtration
Why are calcium channel blockers considered safe for use with lithium?
They do not significantly affect sodium levels or glomerular filtration rate
Learn about the role of lithium in treating bipolar disorder, its elimination by the kidneys, and the importance of maintaining a narrow therapeutic index. Understand how lithium interacts with the body and how other medications can affect its efficacy.
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