Akademik

An element of the alkali metal group, atomic no. 3, atomic wt. 6.941. Many of its salts have clinical applications. [Mod. L. fr. G. lithos, a stone]

- l. bromide LiBr; a white deliquescent powder, used as a sedative and hypnotic.

- l. carbonate an antirheumatic and antilithic agent, also used in the treatment and prophylaxis of depressive, hypomanic, and manic phases of bipolar affective disorders.

- l. citrate a diuretic and antirheumatic, also used in the treatment of manic psychosis.

- effervescent l. citrate a preparation containing l. citrate, sodium bicarbonate, tartaric acid, and citric acid; same use as potassium or sodium citrate.

- l. tungstate used in electron microscopy as a negative stain.

lith·i·um 'lith-ē-əm n

1) a soft silver-white element of the alkali metal group that is the lightest metal known and that is used in chemical synthesis and in storage batteries symbol Li see ELEMENT (table)

2) a lithium salt and esp. lithium carbonate used in psychiatric medicine

a drug given by mouth to prevent episodes of manic-depressive psychosis or to treat mania. Side-effects include tremor, weakness, nausea, thirst, and excessive urination. Thyroid function can be interfered with, and changes in the kidney can appear after long-term lithium treatment. Excessive doses can cause an encephalopathy and even death. The levels of lithium in the blood are therefore usually checked during long-term therapy. Trade names: Camcolit, Liskonum, Priadel.