Description
For the quantitative in vitro determination of lithium in serum. Measurements of lithium are carried out essentially to ensure that proper drug dosage is administered in the treatment of patient suffering from bipolar disorder and to avoid toxicity. For decades, lithium carbonate has remained one of the most effective agents for treatment of patients suffering from bipolar disorder (manic depressive psychosis). Lithium acts by altering intraneuronal metabolism of catecholamines, inhibition of noradrenaline sensitive adenylate cyclase, and reduction in synaptic transmission and increase in neuronal excitability with modification of central nervous system (CNS) amine levels. Recently, studies have also shown that lithium holds promise against Alzheimer’s disease. However lithium has many side effects. Over dosage of lithium can cause acute Li+ intoxication, which occurs quite often due to its narrow therapeutic index. For example, serum Li+ levels over 1.5mM (12 hours after a dose) usually indicates a significant risk of intoxication. Therefore the timely and accurate monitoring of serum levels of lithium after a therapeutic dosage is critical.