LITHIUM CITRATE- lithium citrate syrup
Precision Dose Inc.
Sugar-Free For Oral Administration Only
Rx Only
8 mEq/5 mL
WARNING
Lithium toxicity is closely related to serum lithium levels, and can occur at doses close to therapeutic levels. Facilities for prompt and accurate serum lithium determinations should be available before initiating therapy (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
DESCRIPTION
Lithium Citrate Syrup, USP is a palatable oral dosage form of lithium ion, with a raspberry flavor. Lithium citrate is prepared in solution from lithium hydroxide and citric acid in a ratio approximately dilithium citrate.
Each 5 mL of Lithium Citrate Syrup, USP contains 8 mEq of lithium ion (Li+), equivalent to the amount of lithium in 300 mg of lithium carbonate and alcohol 0.3% v/v. Lithium is an element of the alkali-metal group with atomic number 3, atomic weight 6.94, and an emission line at 671 nm on the flame photometer.
Lithium Citrate is a white, granular or crystalline powder which is soluble in water and slightly soluble in alcohol. Its molecular formula is C6 H5 Li3 O7 �4H2 O. Its chemical name is 1,2,3-Propanetri-carboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy-trilithium salt tetrahydrate and its molecular weight is 282.0. Lithium acts as an antimanic.
Inactive Ingredients: artificial raspberry flavor; citric acid anhydrous, glycerin, methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben, purified water, and sorbitol solution. It may also contain hydrochloric acid, and sodium hydroxide.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Preclinical studies have shown that lithium alters sodium transport in nerve and muscle cells and effects a shift toward intraneuronal metabolism of catecholamines, but the specific biochemical mechanism of lithium action in mania is unknown.
Lithium Citrate Indications and Usage
Lithium citrate is indicated in the treatment of manic episodes of Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar Disorder, Manic (DSM-III) is equivalent to Manic Depressive Illness, Manic, in the older DSM-II terminology.
Lithium is also indicated as a maintenance treatment for individuals with a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder. Maintenance therapy reduces the frequency of manic episodes and diminishes the intensity of those episodes which may occur.
Typical symptoms of mania include pressure of speech, motor hyperactivity, reduced need for sleep, flight of ideas, grandiosity, elation, poor judgement, aggressiveness, and possibly hostility. When given to a patient experiencing a manic episode, lithium may produce a normalization of symptomatology within 1 to 3 weeks.