LITHIUM AND ANTICHOLINERGIC COMBINATION TO MAINTAIN A STABLE LITHIUM PLASMA-LEVEL

The effect of lithium and propantheline, an anticholinergic agent, com bination on plasma and red blood cell (RBC) lithium levels was studied to test if this combination could maintain a stable plasma lithium le vel for a long-lasting period by delaying gastric emptying, in rabbits . There was a significant difference in plasma lithium levels between control and propantheline-administered groups (p < 0.01). The peak lev el seen in the second hour of lithium administration in the control gr oup was not observed in the propantheline-administered group and a sta ble lithium level was maintained. It was suggested that a lithium and anticholinergic drug combination can be an alternative in eliminating the peak plasma levels of lithium and preventing the side-effects thou ght to berelated to this factor.