BECAUSE of its narrow therapeutic index, lithium's risk of toxicity is high, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) reminds healthcare professionals.
Lithium is marketed in Australia as Quilonum SR (450 mg sustained release tablets) and Lithicarb (250 mg tablets).
"Failure to recognise the early signs of toxicity may lead to a delay in treatment and result in poor patient outcomes including, in the worst cases, death," the TGA says.
Early symptoms to look for can be subtle and ambiguous, the TGA says, listing the common ones, but any doubts mean referral to the patient's doctor for testing.
Risk factors are also identified in the TGA update.
Go to tga.gov.au for details.
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