LITHIUM PHARMACOKINETICS IN CHINESE MANIC-DEPRESSIVE PATIENTS

The pharmacokinetics of lithium was studied in 16 manic-depressive Chi nese adults who were on lithium therapy in Hong Kong. A two-compartmen t open model was used to describe the plasma data obtained. The steady -state volume of distribution and total plasma clearance were estimate d to be 63.4 +/- 38.3 L and 1.47 +/- 0.49 L/hr, respectively, which we re similar to those reported in studies of Caucasian subjects. The lit hium clearance was found to be significantly related to lean body mass (r = 0.646, p < 0.01) but not to either total body weight,age, or cre atinine clearance. Interindividual variability in Lithium clearance wa s substantially reduced to a coefficient of variation of 24.6% from 33 .3% when lean body mass was considered. The combined plasma and urine data indicate that the rate and extent of Lithium absorption were simi lar to those of earlier studies in Caucasian subjects on a standard Li thium dosage.