Preventing lithium intoxication - Guide for physicians

OBJECTIVE To raise awareness of risk factors for, and symptoms of, lithium intoxication. QUALITY OF EVIDENCE The literature was searched via MEDLINE from January 19 70 to December 1999 using the MeSH headings lithium, lithium Carbonate, Dru g Toxicity, and Aging. Articles were selected based on clinical relevance a nd design. Most were case reports, case series, or reviews. MAIN MESSAGE A case study illustrates both risk factors predisposing patien ts to lithium intoxication and the symptoms of lithium intoxication. lithiu m intoxication can be avoided by conservative dosing, care in combining dru g therapies, regular clinical observation, monitoring drug plasma concentra tions, and educating patients and caregivers to recognize early signs of in toxication. CONCLUSION Knowing about lithium intoxication and how to avoid it is most i mportant for family physicians who regularly treat patients receiving lithi um.