Lithium (Lithobid)

Psychiatry (Mood Stabilizer)

Dosing & Administration

Adult Dose

300 mg PO TID initially. Titrate to target serum level (0.6-1.2 mEq/L).

Pediatric Dose

15-60 mg/kg/day divided (specialist dosing).

Renal Adjustment

Requires significant adjustment; contraindicated in severe impairment.

Hepatic Adjustment

No adjustment necessary (not metabolized by liver).

Safety & Special Populations

Pregnancy Category

D - Associated with Ebstein's anomaly (first trimester).

Lactation Safety

Avoid if possible (transferred in breast milk, infant toxicity).

Contraindications & Adverse Effects

Contraindications

  • Severe cardiovascular or renal disease
  • Dehydration
  • Sodium depletion

Common Adverse Effects

  • Tremor
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
  • Toxicity (ataxia, confusion)