A 46-year-old man with bipolar disorder is brought to the emergency department after an over-ingestion of lithium carbonate. Examination reveals severe tremor, ataxia, dysarthria, myoclonus and fasciculations. Lithemia is 4.1 mEq/L (toxicity > 1.6 mEq/L). Which of the following therapeutic options would be most indicated?
We are dealing with a case of severe lithium intoxication (lithemia > 3.5 mEq/L is life threatening), therefore, the therapeutic option of choice is to start hemodialysis urgently. Remember that activated charcoal is NOT indicated in lithium intoxication.
Aminophylline associated with a cathartic.
Activated charcoal.
Hemodialysis.
Forced diuresis.
Remember that activated charcoal is NOT indicated in lithium intoxication.
We are dealing with a case of severe lithium intoxication (lithemia > 3.5 mEq/L is life threatening), therefore, the therapeutic option of choice is to start hemodialysis urgently.