Lithosun SR Tablet (Lithium Carbonate 400mg): Complete Guide
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Coarse hand tremor or unsteady walking
- Confusion or difficulty speaking
- Blurred vision or ringing in the ears
- Fainting or seizures
- Decreased urine output or swelling in legs
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is a lith 400mg tablet used for?
This medicine is a sustained-release oral tablet containing lithium carbonate 400 mg, used to treat bipolar disorder by stabilizing mood and preventing manic and depressive episodes. It requires regular blood monitoring to ensure safe levels.
- Generic Name: Lithium carbonate (400mg)
- Manufacturer: Pifer Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 a lith 400mg tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा लिथियम कार्बोनेट 400 मिलीग्राम का एक धीमी रिलीज वाला टैबलेट है, जिसका उपयोग बाइपोलर डिसऑर्डर (मूड स्विंग्स) के इलाज में किया जाता है। यह मूड को स्थिर करने में मदद करती है और मैनिक (उन्माद) तथा डिप्रेसिव (अवसाद) दोनों प्रकार के एपिसोड को रोकती है। यह दवा केवल डॉक्टर के परामर्श से ही लेनी चाहिए और नियमित रूप से खून की जांच करानी चाहिए।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में हाथ कांपना, अधिक प्यास लगना, बार-बार पेशाब आना, जी मिचलाना और दस्त शामिल हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभावों में लिथियम विषाक्तता के लक्षण जैसे तेज कंपन, उल्टी, दस्त, भ्रम, चलने में असंतुलन और बेहोशी शामिल हैं। अगर ऐसे लक्षण दिखें तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें, खुद से मात्रा न बदलें। पर्याप्त पानी और नमक का सेवन करें, क्योंकि कम पानी या कम नमक से लिथियम का स्तर बढ़ सकता है। शराब और नशीली दवाओं से बचें। नियमित रूप से खून की जांच कराएं। कोई भी नई दवा शुरू करने से पहले डॉक्टर से सलाह लें।
💊 a lith 400mg tablet Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Bipolar disorder – acute manic episodes","description":"This medicine is used to control acute manic episodes in bipolar disorder, helping to reduce elevated mood, agitation, and impulsive behavior.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Bipolar disorder – maintenance therapy","description":"This medicine is prescribed for long-term maintenance to prevent relapse of both manic and depressive episodes in bipolar disorder.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Bipolar depression","description":"This medicine may be used as an adjunct to other treatments for bipolar depression, although its efficacy is considered moderate.","evidence":"Moderate"},{"condition":"Treatment-resistant depression","description":"In some cases, this medicine is added to standard antidepressants to augment their effect in treatment-resistant major depressive disorder.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Schizoaffective disorder","description":"This medicine may be used as part of a treatment regimen for schizoaffective disorder, particularly for mood stabilization.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Cluster headache prophylaxis","description":"This medicine is sometimes prescribed off-label to prevent cluster headaches, but it is not a first-line treatment.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Aggressive behavior","description":"In some institutional settings, this medicine has been used off-label to manage aggressive behavior, though evidence is limited and risks must be weighed.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Cyclothymic disorder","description":"This medicine may be used off-label for cyclothymic disorder, a milder form of bipolar disorder, but evidence is not robust.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Bipolar disorder
Also treats: Schizoaffective disorder, Treatment-resistant depression, Cluster headache
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Lithium carbonate (400mg) |
| Brand Name | a lith 400mg tablet |
| Manufacturer | Pifer Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | NEURO CNS |
| Action Class | Mood stabilizers |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Keep in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children. |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from the date of manufacture. |
| WHO Guideline | The World Health Organization includes lithium in its Model List of Essential Medicines for the treatment of bipolar disorder. It is recommended as a first-line mood stabilizer for acute mania and maintenance therapy. |
| ICMR Guideline | The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) guidelines for the management of bipolar disorder recommend lithium as a first-line mood stabilizer for acute mania and maintenance treatment, with regular monitoring of serum levels and renal and thyroid function. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine works by interfering with several intracellular signaling pathways that are involved in mood regulation. The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it is believed to inhibit inositol monophosphatase and glycogen synthase kinase-3, leading to changes in neurotransmitter release and receptor sensitivity. It also modulates the activity of protein kinase C and affects the balance of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain. These actions help stabilize mood and reduce the frequency and intensity of manic and depressive episodes.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take a lith 400mg tablet
Strength: Sustained-release tablet, 400 mg
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose of this medicine for acute mania is 300 mg to 600 mg three times daily, but the sustained-release formulation is often given as 400 mg two to three times daily. For maintenance, doses range from 300 mg to 1200 mg per day in divided doses. Serum lithium levels should be monitored and maintained between 0.6 and 1.2 mEq/L for maintenance and 0.8 to 1.2 mEq/L for acute treatment. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function, and serum lithium levels. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients may require lower doses due to reduced renal function. Doses should be adjusted based on serum lithium levels and renal function. Close monitoring is essential. |
| Renal Impairment | In patients with renal impairment, doses should be reduced and serum lithium levels monitored closely. This medicine is contraindicated in severe renal impairment. |
| Hepatic Impairment | No specific dose adjustment is required for hepatic impairment, as this medicine is not metabolized by the liver. However, monitoring is advised. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum daily dose should not exceed 1800 mg, but the exact dose must be determined by a clinician based on serum levels and clinical response. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of a lith 400mg tablet
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Thiazide diuretics | Major | |
| ACE inhibitors | Major | |
| NSAIDs | Major | |
| Carbamazepine | Major | |
| MAOIs | Major | |
| Loop diuretics | Moderate | |
| Calcium channel blockers | Moderate | |
| Metronidazole | Moderate | |
| SSRIs | Moderate | |
| Antacids | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Thiazide diuretics
- ACE inhibitors
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Carbamazepine
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Loop diuretics
- Calcium channel blockers
- Metronidazole
- SSRIs
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol should be avoided while taking this medicine because it can cause dehydration, which may lead to increased lithium levels and toxicity. Alcohol can also worsen mood instability and impair judgment.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Severe renal impairment","Severe cardiovascular disease","Severe dehydration or sodium depletion","Known hypersensitivity to lithium or any component of the formulation","Concurrent use with certain diuretics or ACE inhibitors without close monitoring"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["This medicine has a narrow therapeutic index; regular blood monitoring is mandatory.","Dehydration from any cause can lead to lithium toxicity; maintain adequate fluid intake.","Avoid drastic changes in dietary salt intake.","Use with caution in elderly patients due to reduced renal function.","May impair mental and physical abilities; avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.","Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine.","Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
This medicine is excreted in breast milk and can cause toxicity in a nursing infant. Breastfeeding is generally not recommended while taking this medicine. If breastfeeding is essential, the infant should be monitored for signs of lithium toxicity, and the mother's lithium levels should be checked regularly.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose of this medicine can be life-threatening. Symptoms include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, coarse tremor, confusion, seizures, and coma. If overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical care immediately. Treatment may include gastric lavage, intravenous fluids, and hemodialysis to remove lithium from the blood. Do not attempt to induce vomiting without medical advice.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are unsure, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Additional Safety Advice
Always take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, and never change the dose without medical advice. Maintain a consistent salt and fluid intake, because dehydration or low-sodium diets can raise lithium levels and increase the risk of toxicity. Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs while on this medicine, as they can worsen side effects and interfere with mood stability. Inform all healthcare providers, including dentists and surgeons, that you are taking this medicine before any procedure. Regular blood tests to check lithium levels, kidney function, and thyroid function are mandatory. Do not start or stop any other medicine, including over-the-counter painkillers and herbal supplements, without consulting your doctor. If you experience excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, contact your doctor immediately because these can lead to dehydration and lithium toxicity. Keep this medicine out of reach of children and store it in its original container.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients are more sensitive to the effects of this medicine and are at higher risk of toxicity due to reduced renal function. Lower doses and more frequent monitoring are recommended.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning pregnancy, consult your doctor before conceiving. This medicine may increase the risk of congenital heart defects. Your doctor may adjust the dose or switch to an alternative medication. Effective contraception is advised while on this medicine.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
Inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist that you are taking this medicine. It may interact with anesthetic agents and affect fluid balance. Close monitoring of lithium levels is advised before and after surgery.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist that you are taking this medicine. It may cause dry mouth, which can increase the risk of dental problems. Maintain good oral hygiene and stay hydrated.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
Moderate exercise is generally safe, but excessive sweating can lead to dehydration and increase lithium levels. Drink plenty of water during exercise and avoid strenuous activity in hot weather without proper hydration.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness in some people, especially when starting treatment. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. It is important to maintain a regular routine and take the medicine at the same time each day.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop this medicine without consulting your doctor. If you need to stop, your doctor will gradually reduce the dose to prevent relapse. Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms and mood instability.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine may affect kidney and thyroid function, so regular monitoring is essential. It may also cause weight gain and fine tremor. With proper monitoring, many patients can take this medicine safely for years. Regular follow-up with your doctor is necessary to adjust the dose and manage any long-term effects.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can complement medication for bipolar disorder.
Evidence: Well-establishedRegular sleep, exercise, and stress management can help stabilize mood.
Evidence: Well-establishedValproate, lamotrigine, or atypical antipsychotics may be alternatives if lithium is not suitable.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
There are no specific vaccine interactions with this medicine. However, inform your doctor if you are due for any vaccinations.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature (15-30°C)
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate unless specified
✅ DO
Keep in original container
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight
❌ DON'T
Do not store in bathroom cabinet
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When traveling, carry this medicine in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription. Keep it in your carry-on luggage to avoid loss. Maintain your dosing schedule; if crossing time zones, consult your doctor for adjustments. Store at room temperature and avoid extreme heat. Check customs regulations for controlled substances before traveling internationally.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: This medicine may take 1 to 3 weeks to show significant improvement in manic symptoms, and several weeks for full therapeutic effect.
A: Mild side effects often improve with time. If you experience severe or persistent side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
A: No, do not stop this medicine abruptly. Consult your doctor before making any changes, as stopping suddenly can lead to relapse.
A: Blood tests to check lithium levels, kidney function, and thyroid function are typically done every 3 to 6 months, or more frequently when starting or adjusting the dose.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for a lith 400mg tablet
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
cartil 400mg tablet srPark Pharmaceuticals ₹17.53 9.6% COSTLIER
-
carbolith 400mg tabletPsycormedies ₹18.75 17.2% COSTLIER
-
lithox 400mg tablet srApex Laboratories Pvt Ltd ₹18.75 17.2% COSTLIER
-
a lith 400mg tablet srPifer Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd ₹19.00 18.8% COSTLIER
-
elith sr 400mg tabletElikem Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd ₹19.00 18.8% COSTLIER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: Lithium is a dangerous drug that should be avoided.
Fact: When used appropriately with regular monitoring, lithium is a safe and effective mood stabilizer that has been used for decades. - Myth: Lithium is addictive.
Fact: Lithium is not addictive and does not cause dependence in the way that some other drugs do. - Myth: You can stop lithium once you feel better.
Fact: Stopping lithium suddenly can lead to relapse of mood episodes. Always consult your doctor before making any changes.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Lithium carbonate 400 mg sustained-release tablets (various manufacturers)
Brand Alternatives
- Lithosun SR Tablet
- Licab Tablet
- Lithium Carbonate SR Tablet