Concomitant use of diuretics has long been associated with the development of lithium toxicity, but the risk of significant interactions varies with the site of pharmacological action of the diuretic in the renal tubule. As a result, any medication that alters glomerular filtration rates or affects electrolyte exchange in the nephron may influence the pharmacokinetic disposition of lithium. Lithium removal from the body is achieved almost exclusively via renal means. The safety of combining lithium with other medications, therefore, is a major concern, and extensive clinical experience has served to identify several significant drug interactions. Relatively minor increases in serum concentrations may induce serious adverse sequelae, and concentrations within the therapeutic range may result in toxic reactions. Although lithium continues to be regarded as the treatment of choice for bipolar disorders, the clinical use of this mood stabiliser is associated with an extremely narrow therapeutic range.

Lithium toxicity antidote