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Lithium carbonate API Manufacturers & Suppliers

General Description:

Lithium carbonate, identified by CAS number 554-13-2, is a notable compound with significant therapeutic applications. Lithium has been used to treat manic episodes since the 19th century. Though it is widely used, its mechanism of action is still unknown. Lithium carbonate has a narrow therapeutic range and so careful monitoring is required to avoid adverse effects.

Indications:

This drug is primarily indicated for: Lithium carbonate is indicated as a monotherapy for the treatment of acute manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar 1 disorder in patients ≥7 years of age. It is also indicated as a maintenance treatment for bipolar 1 disorder in patients ≥7 years of age. Its use in specific medical scenarios underscores its importance in the therapeutic landscape.

Metabolism:

Lithium carbonate undergoes metabolic processing primarily in: Lithium carbonate is not metabolized before excretion. This metabolic pathway ensures efficient processing of the drug, helping to minimize potential toxicity and side effects.

Absorption:

The absorption characteristics of Lithium carbonate are crucial for its therapeutic efficacy: Lithium absorption is rapid and oral bioavailability is close to 100%. The drug's ability to rapidly penetrate into cells ensures quick onset of action.

Half-life:

The half-life of Lithium carbonate is an important consideration for its dosing schedule: The half life of lithium carbonate is 18 to 36 hours. Other sources say it may be 7 to 20 hours. This determines the duration of action and helps in formulating effective dosing regimens.

Protein Binding:

Lithium carbonate exhibits a strong affinity for binding with plasma proteins: Lithium carbonate is not significantly protein bound. This property plays a key role in the drug's pharmacokinetics and distribution within the body.

Route of Elimination:

The elimination of Lithium carbonate from the body primarily occurs through: Lithium is primarily eliminated through the kidneys and elimination in the feces is insignificant. Understanding this pathway is essential for assessing potential drug accumulation and toxicity risks.

Volume of Distribution:

Lithium carbonate is distributed throughout the body with a volume of distribution of: Apparent volume of distribution is 0.7 to 1.0L/kg. This metric indicates how extensively the drug permeates into body tissues.

Clearance:

The clearance rate of Lithium carbonate is a critical factor in determining its safe and effective dosage: Clearance is generally between 10 and 40mL/min but may be as low as 15mL/min in elderly patients and those with renal impairment. It reflects the efficiency with which the drug is removed from the systemic circulation.

Pharmacodynamics:

Lithium carbonate exerts its therapeutic effects through: Lithium's mechanism of action is still unknown. Lithium's therapeutic action may be due to a number of effects, ranging from inhibition of enzymes such as glycogen synthase kinase 3, inositol phosphatases, or modulation of glutamate receptors. The drug's ability to modulate various physiological processes underscores its efficacy in treating specific conditions.

Mechanism of Action:

Lithium carbonate functions by: Lithium's mechanism of action is still unknown. However, the “inositol depletion theory” suggests 3 main potential targets. These targets are inositol monophosphatase, inositol polyphosphatase, and glycogen synthase kinase 3(GSK-3). The “Inositol depletion theory” suggests lithium behaves as an uncompetitive inhibitor of inositol monophosphatase in a manner inversely proportional to the degree of stimulus. This inhibition lowers levels of inositol triphosphate. However, stronger inhibitors of inositol monophosphatase are not as clinically effective and low levels of inositol triphosphate are associated with memory impairment. Lithium acts on inositol polyphosphatase as an uncompetitive inhibitor. This inhibition is thought to have multiple downstream effects that have yet to be clarified. Lithium regulates phosphorylation of GSK-3 which regulates other enzymes through phosphorylation. Lithium can also inhibit GSK-3 through interfering with the magnesium ion in the active site. This mechanism highlights the drug's role in inhibiting or promoting specific biological pathways, contributing to its therapeutic effects.

Toxicity:

Classification:

Lithium carbonate belongs to the class of organic compounds known as organic carbonic acids. These are compounds comprising the carbonic acid functional group, classified under the direct parent group Organic carbonic acids. This compound is a part of the Organic compounds, falling under the Organic acids and derivatives superclass, and categorized within the Organic carbonic acids and derivatives class, specifically within the Organic carbonic acids subclass.

Categories:

Lithium carbonate is categorized under the following therapeutic classes: Acids, Acids, Noncarboxylic, Alkalies, Anions, Antidepressive Agents, Antimanic Agents, Carbon Compounds, Inorganic, Carbonates, Carbonic Acid, Central Nervous System Agents, Central Nervous System Depressants, Drugs that are Mainly Renally Excreted, Drugs that are Mainly Renally Excreted with a Narrow Therapeutic Index, Electrolytes, Enzyme Inhibitors, Ions, Lithium Compounds, Mood Stabilizer, Narrow Therapeutic Index Drugs, Nephrotoxic agents, Nervous System, Neurotoxic agents, Psycholeptics, Psychotropic Drugs, QTc Prolonging Agents, Serotonergic Drugs Shown to Increase Risk of Serotonin Syndrome, Serotonin Agents, Serotonin Modulators, Tranquilizing Agents. These classifications highlight the drug's diverse therapeutic applications and its importance in treating various conditions.

Experimental Properties:

Further physical and chemical characteristics of Lithium carbonate include:

• Water Solubility: 100mM
• Melting Point: 180.5
• Boiling Point: 1336