title: Therapeutic drug monitoring: lithium levels.
abstract: Lithium has been used in the treatment of mania since 1949. Although its effectiveness is well recognized, the mechanism by which it stabilizes manic behavior is not well understood. In addition, it has some serious toxic properties combined with a narrow therapeutic range. For this reason, monitoring of serum lithium levels is mandatory. Suggested mechanisms of action and protocols for monitoring of serum levels are presented.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Pa.
authors.forename: N B
authors.initials: NB
authors.lastname: Coffman
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Fernandes
mesh_terms: D016903:Drug Monitoring; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000097:blood* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D008094:Lithium