Route/Dosage

• Precise dosing is based on serum lithium levels. 300 mg lithium carbonate contains 8–12 mEq lithium

• PO (Adults and children >=12 yr):
Tablets/capsules—300–600 mg 3 times daily initially; usual maintenance dose is 300 mg 3–4 times daily.
Slow-release capsules—200–300 mg 3 times daily initially; increased up to 1800 mg/day in divided doses. Usual maintenance dose is 300–400 mg 3 times daily.
Extended-release tablets—450–900 mg twice daily
or 300–600 mg 3 times daily initially; usual maintenance dose is 450 mg twice daily
or 300 mg 3 times daily.

• PO (Children <12 yr): 15–20 mg (0.4–0.5 mEq)/kg/day in 2–3 divided doses; dosage may be adjusted weekly.

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