Lithium toxicity: the importance of clinical signs

Br J Hosp Med (Lond). 2010 Apr;71(4):206-10. doi: 10.12968/hmed.2010.71.4.47513.

Abstract

Although there appears to be a decline in its use, lithium is still used extensively in the UK to treat bipolar disorder. However, lithium can be quite toxic and lead to long-term problems, rarely death. Therefore, doctors need to carefully monitor patients taking lithium and seek appropriate advice whenever concerns are raised.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antidepressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antidepressive Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Bipolar Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Brain Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Brain Diseases / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Kidney Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Kidney Diseases / prevention & control
  • Lithium Compounds / adverse effects*
  • Lithium Compounds / pharmacokinetics

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Lithium Compounds