More from Lithin
Other strengths and forms by Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Indications & Uses
Lithin is indicated for:
Pharmacology
Although lithium has been used for more than 50 years to treat bipolar disorder, how it actually works is still not fully understood. Its therapeutic effect may come from several actions, including inhibiting enzymes such as glycogen synthase kinase 3 and inositol phosphatases, as well as modulating glutamate receptors. Lithium carbonate also alters how catecholamines are handled within neurons and affects sodium transport in nerve and muscle cells.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Adult and child over 12 years: initially 1 gm to 1.5 gm daily. For prophylaxis, the initial dose is 300 to 400 mg daily. Should be taken with food.
Side Effects
Tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea can occur. Some people notice their hands shaking or have trouble with memory. Increased thirst is also common, which in turn can mean needing to pass urine more often during the day, and sometimes at night as well.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Decreased tolerance to lithium can develop after prolonged sweating or diarrhoea. If this happens, extra fluids and salt should be given under close medical supervision, and the lithium dose should be reduced or paused until the problem clears up.
Contraindications
Renal insufficiency, cardiovascular insufficiency, Addison's disease, and untreated hypothyroidism should all be regarded as contraindications to lithium therapy.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Lithium carbonate is in pregnancy category D. Studies have found a higher rate of heart abnormalities in babies whose mothers took lithium during the first 3 months of pregnancy, so it should be avoided in that period unless there is no other option. Breastfeeding is not advised either, unless the benefit of taking lithium clearly outweighs the advantages of breastfeeding.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Overdose
If lithium builds up in the body, stop the lithium and check serum lithium levels every six hours. A diuretic must never be used in this situation. Instead, start an osmotic diuresis (a mannitol or urea infusion) or alkalinise the urine (a sodium lactate or sodium bicarbonate infusion).
Peritoneal dialysis or haemodialysis should be started promptly if the serum lithium level is over 4.0 mmol/L, if the patient's condition is getting worse, or if the serum lithium concentration is not falling at a rate matching a half-life of under 30 hours. Dialysis should go on until there is no lithium left in the serum or in the dialysis fluid.
After that, keep monitoring serum lithium levels for at least another week. Levels can rebound because lithium diffuses out of the body tissues slowly.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Storage
Store Lithium Carbonate below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep it out of the reach of children.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Lithin 400 mg
What is Lithin 400 mg Tablet?
Lithin 400 mg Tablet is a medicine that contains Lithium Carbonate. It is made by Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd. It belongs to the Anti-manic drugs group of medicines.
What is Lithin used for?
Lithin is used for: Depression, Bipolar Disorder.
What are the side effects of Lithin?
Tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea can occur. Some people notice their hands shaking or have trouble with memory.
Can I take Lithin during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Lithium carbonate is in pregnancy category D. Studies have found a higher rate of heart abnormalities in babies whose mothers took lithium during the first 3 months of pregnancy, so it should be avoided in that period unless there is no other option. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much Lithin?
If lithium builds up in the body, stop the lithium and check serum lithium levels every six hours. A diuretic must never be used in this situation. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How should I store Lithin?
Store Lithium Carbonate below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep it out of the reach of children.
Can I take other medicines with Lithin?
Some medicines can interact with Lithium Carbonate, for example: Sodium Bicarbonate, Carbamazepine, Metronidazole, Captopril, Methyldopa, Indomethacin. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Do I need a prescription for Lithin?
Lithin is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.