Lithium ions displace sodium and potassium from body fluids, substitute for sodium in nerves and muscles, and interfere with calcium and magnesium metabolism. They probably affect membrane transport, and have diverse effects on central transmitter systems. The drug accumulates in body fluids, and rates of excretion depend on individual renal clearance and are lower in old age.
In patients with normal renal function, the elimination half-life of lithium is about 20-24 hours. Steady state concentrations are reached about 5 days after starting the drug (1).
There is a specific effect of lithium on the inositol triphosphate messenger system of cells, but its significance is still uncertain.
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