Prospective evaluation of two lithium maintenance dose schedules.
A prospective method for recommending lithium carbonate maintenance doses for patients requiring the drug either prophylactically or for acute mania has been previously described. Of 18 patients who required prophylactic lithium levels between 0.40 and 0.89 mEq/liter, the maintenance dose equation achieved the predefined therapeutic range in 15 (83%) cases. Of 20 patients requiring lithium concentrations between 0.90 and 1.30 mEq/liter for the treatment of acute mania, 17 (85%) attained the therapeutic range after receiving the recommended maintenance dose. The authors discuss the factors that limit the usefulness of this prospective dosing protocol.
D000328:Adult; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D008094:Lithium / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012890:Sleep / Q000187:drug effects
D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D008094:Lithium