Prescribing-label excerpts
Lithium Carbonate
Reference for: Lithium Carbonate. Source presentation: capsule, gelatin coated; tablet. Source route: oral.
Mechanism of action
The mechanism of action of lithium as a mood stabilizing agent is unknown.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: After oral administration, lithium is reported to be completely absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Peak serum concentrations (Tmax) occur 0.25 to 3 hours after oral administration of immediate release preparations and 2 to 6 hours after sustained-release preparations.
Distribution: The distribution space of lithium approximates that of total body water, and the plasma protein binding is negligible. After equilibrium, the apparent volume of distribution is 0.7 to 1 L/kg.
Excretion: Lithium is primarily excreted in urine, proportionally to its serum concentration. Lithium is filtered by the glomerulus, and 80% is reabsorbed by passive diffusion in the proximal tubule. The elimination half-life of lithium is approximately 18 to 36 hours. Lithium excretion in feces is insignificant.
Specific Populations: — Pediatric Use: A pharmacokinetic study of lithium was performed in 39 subjects with bipolar I disorder. Both apparent clearance and apparent volume of distribution increase as body weight increases. A lower dose in patients < 30 kg is necessary to achieve lithium exposures in pediatric patients similar to those observed in adults treated at recommended doses of lithium [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)]. The estimated plasma clearance was 0.59 L/h, 0.79 L/h and 1.17 L/h for pediatric patients weighing 20 kg, 30 kg and 50 kg, respectively.
Selected passages from the cited U.S. prescribing label. The studies concern the source product and populations named in each passage; they do not establish Walter-product bioequivalence, an approved indication, or the kinetics of another fixed combination. Tables and the full prescribing information remain available in the source.
Source: DailyMed: Lithium Carbonate — capsule, gelatin coated, tablet
Reference accessed . Label revision: 2026-08-16.
