Intalith CR Tablet (Lithium Carbonate) | Used for Bipolar Disorder & Mania

Precaution

1. Use Only as Prescribed

Take Intalith CR Tablet only according to the dose and schedule prescribed by your doctor. Lithium dosage is individualized according to symptoms, response, and blood lithium levels.

2. Regular Blood Tests

Regular blood tests are important because lithium toxicity can occur at levels close to the therapeutic range. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your blood lithium concentration.

3. Maintain Adequate Fluid Intake

Drink fluids regularly unless your doctor has given you different instructions. Dehydration can increase the risk of lithium toxicity.

4. Keep Salt Intake Consistent

Avoid major changes in your usual dietary salt intake unless advised by a healthcare professional. Changes in sodium balance can affect lithium levels.

5. Be Careful During Vomiting or Diarrhea

Severe vomiting or diarrhea can cause dehydration and may affect lithium levels. Contact your doctor if these symptoms continue.

6. Avoid Excessive Sweating

Heavy sweating from strenuous exercise, hot weather, or fever may lead to fluid and salt loss and can affect lithium levels.

7. Kidney Function

Lithium is primarily eliminated through the kidneys. Tell your doctor about any kidney problems before starting treatment.

Usage 

• Take Intalith CR Tablet exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• Take it at the same time each day when possible.
• Swallow the controlled-release tablet whole with water.
• Do not crush or chew the tablet.
• Maintain adequate fluid intake during treatment.
• Keep your usual dietary salt intake reasonably consistent.
• Attend scheduled lithium blood-level and other monitoring appointments.
• If you miss a dose, follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions rather than taking an extra dose.
• Do not change or stop treatment without medical advice.

Uses

1. Bipolar Disorder

Intalith CR Tablet is used as part of the management of bipolar disorder and can help stabilize mood.

2. Manic Episodes

Lithium is indicated for the treatment of manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder.

3. Long-Term Mood Stabilization

Lithium may be prescribed as maintenance treatment to help reduce the frequency and intensity of future manic episodes.

4. Prevention of Recurrent Mania

When used as maintenance therapy, lithium can help reduce the occurrence or severity of subsequent manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects

Possible side effects of lithium may include:

• Fine hand tremor
• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach discomfort

Serious Side Effects 

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:

• Severe or worsening tremors
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• Severe weakness
• Difficulty walking or poor coordination
• Slurred speech
• Confusion
• Marked drowsiness

FAQs

1. What is Intalith CR Tablet?

Intalith CR Tablet contains Lithium Carbonate in a controlled-release formulation and is used as a mood-stabilizing medicine.

2. What is Intalith CR Tablet used for?

It is used in the management of bipolar disorder and manic episodes and may also be prescribed for long-term mood stabilization.

3. Is Intalith CR a mood stabilizer?

Yes. Lithium is a well-established mood stabilizer used in bipolar disorder.

4. How does Intalith CR Tablet work?

Lithium affects several cellular signaling processes involved in mood regulation. Its exact mechanism in controlling mania is not completely understood.

5. Does Intalith CR require blood tests?

Yes. Regular serum lithium testing is important because lithium has a narrow therapeutic range.

6. Why are kidney tests required during lithium treatment?

The kidneys eliminate lithium from the body, so kidney function can affect lithium levels and treatment safety.

7. Can Intalith CR affect the thyroid?

Yes. Lithium may affect thyroid function, so thyroid monitoring may be recommended during treatment.

8. Can Intalith CR cause increased thirst?

Increased thirst and increased urination are recognized effects of lithium treatment.

Interactions

1. Diuretics

Some water tablets, particularly thiazide diuretics, can increase lithium levels and raise the risk of toxicity.

2. NSAID Painkillers

Medicines such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and other NSAIDs may increase lithium concentrations. Ask your doctor before using them regularly.

3. ACE Inhibitors

Medicines such as lisinopril and other ACE inhibitors may increase lithium levels.

4. ARBs

Angiotensin receptor blockers, including medicines such as losartan, may affect lithium clearance and increase lithium concentrations.

5. Calcium Channel Blockers

Some calcium channel blockers can affect lithium levels or increase the risk of neurological adverse effects.

6. Metronidazole

Metronidazole may increase lithium concentrations and should be used only with appropriate medical guidance.

7. Antidepressants

Some antidepressants may interact with lithium and can increase the risk of adverse effects. Your doctor should review the combination.

8. Serotonergic Medicines

Combining lithium with certain serotonergic medicines may increase the risk of serotonin-related adverse effects.