Toxicity of lithium

The toxicity of lithium hydride differs markedly from that of the soluble salts of lithium because of its vigorous chemical reactivity with water, which produces acute irritation and corrosion of biological tissues. ... 

Spiegl CJ et al Acute inhalation toxicity of lithium hydride. AMA Arch Ind Health 14 468-470, 1956... 

Mania can occur in any age group. Acute manic episodes in the elderly may best be managed with high potency neuroleptics. The use of lithium is not contraindicated in the elderly provided renal clearance is reasonably normal. The dose administered should be carefully monitored, as the half-life of the drug is increased in the elderly to 36-48 hours in comparison to about 24 hours in the young adult. The serum lithium concentration in the elderly should be maintained at about 0.5 mEq/litre. It is essential to ensure that the elderly patient is not on a salt-restricted diet before starting lithium therapy. The side effects and toxicity of lithium have been discussed in detail elsewhere (see p. 198 et seq.), and, apart from an increase in the frequency of confusional states in the elderly patient, the same adverse effects can be expected as in the younger patient. 

Lithium + tetracycline antibiotics —> enhanced toxicity of lithium due to increased lithium absorption and impaired excretion. 

In general, how should the toxicities of lithium organometallic compounds be regarded Do they have any unique toxicity characteristics ... 

Mpanju, 0., et al. (1997) Selective toxicity of lithium y-linolenic acid in human T-cells chronically and productively infected with HIV. Antiviral Ther. 2(1), 17-23. 

Calcium-channel blockers increase the toxicity of lithium, which has calcium antagonist effects itself. 

Schafer U (1997) Essentiality and toxicity of lithium. J Trace Micoprobe Techn 15 341-349. 

Anke M, Arnhold W, Glei M, Muller M, Illing H, Schafer U and Jaritz M (1995) Essentiality and toxicity of lithium. In Kosla T, ed. Lithium in the Trophic Chain, Soil - Plant - Animal -Man. Proceedings of International Symposium, pp. 17-42. Agricultural University Warsaw. 

Table 103.5 Adverse effects and toxicities of lithium administration...

II. Toxic dose. The usual daily dose of lithium ranges from 300 to 2400 mg (8-64 mEq/day), and the therapeutic serum lithium level is 0.6-1.2 mEq/L. The toxicity of lithium depends on whether the overdose is acute or chronic. 

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