DESCRIPTION SECTION

DESCRIPTION

Lithium carbonate extended-release tablets, USP contain lithium carbonate, USP, a white, granular, odorless powder with molecular formula Li 2CO 3 and molecular weight 73.89. 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.

Each peach film-coated, extended-release tablet contains 300 mg of lithium carbonate. This slowly dissolving film-coated tablet is designed to give lower serum lithium peak concentrations than obtained with conventional oral lithium dosage forms. Inactive ingredients consist of calcium stearate, hypromellose, polydextrose, povidone, polyethylene glycol, red iron oxide, sodium chloride, sodium lauryl sulfate, sorbitol, titanium dioxide, triacetin, and yellow iron oxide.

Lithium Carbonate Extended-Release Tablets USP, 300 mg meets USP Dissolution Test 4.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY SECTION

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.

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BOXED WARNING SECTION

WARNING

Lithium toxicity is closely related to serum lithium levels, and can occur at doses close to therapeutic levels. Facilities for prompt and accurate serum lithium determinations should be available before initiating therapy (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

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