Lithium Citrate (Lithium Citrate) - Description and Clinical Pharmacology

8 mEq of Lithium per 5 mL
Sugar-Free
For Oral Administration Only

Rx Only

DESCRIPTION

Lithium Oral Solution, USP is a palatable oral dosage form of lithium ion, with a raspberry flavor. It is prepared in solution from lithium hydroxide and citric acid in a ratio approximately di-lithium citrate.

Each 5 mL of Lithium Oral Solution, USP contains 8 mEq of lithium ion (Li+), equivalent to the amount of lithium in 300 mg of lithium carbonate and alcohol 0.3% v/v. Lithium is an element of the alkali-metal group with atomic number 3, atomic weight 6.94, and an emission line at 671 nm on the flame photometer.

Lithium Citrate is a white, granular or crystalline powder which is soluble in water and slightly soluble in alcohol. Its molecular formula is C₆H₅Li₃O₇•4H₂O. Its chemical name is 1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy-trilithium salt tetrahydrate and its molecular weight is 282.0. Lithium acts as an antimanic.

Inactive Ingredients: artificial raspberry flavor; citric acid anhydrous, glycerin, methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben, purified water, and sorbitol solution. It may also contain hydrochloric acid, and sodium hydroxide.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Preclinical studies have shown that lithium alters sodium transport in nerve and muscle cells and effects a shift toward intraneuronal metabolism of catecholamines, but the specific biochemical mechanism of lithium action in mania is unknown.