Lithium
Also known as: Camcolit, Liskonum, Priadel
Give this medication **with food** to reduce stomach upset. It may take **up to 4 weeks** before the medication starts working to improve your dog's blood cell counts. Watch your dog closely for signs of excessive drinking and urination, muscle weakness, extreme tiredness, or seizures, and contact your veterinarian immediately if these occur. **Do not give this medication to cats**, as it is highly toxic to them. Keep all follow-up appointments, as your dog will need regular blood tests to check the drug levels and thyroid function.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Bone marrow suppression / neutropenia
- Contraindicated
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue
- Polyuria (PU)
- Polydipsia (PD)
- Seizures
- Hypothyroidism (blocks release of T3 and T4)
Cautions & contraindications
- Cats (highly toxic)
- Renal impairment
- Cardiac disease
- Conditions with sodium imbalance (e.g., hypoadrenocorticism)
- Dehydration
- > **WARNING**: Do not use in cats as lithium is highly toxic to them. > **WARNING**: Avoid in patients with renal impairment, cardiac disease, or sodium imbalance. Only use in patients showing no signs of dehydration. * **Therapeutic Monitoring**: Assess serum lithium concentration every 3 months (target: 0.5-1.8 mmol/l). * **Thyroid Monitoring**: Assess thyroid status every 6 months, as lithium can block the release of T3 and T4.
Drug interactions
- ACE inhibitors: Reduces lithium excretion, increasing the risk of toxicity
- Loop diuretics: Reduces lithium excretion and causes sodium depletion, worsening toxicity
- Thiazide diuretics: Reduces lithium excretion and causes sodium depletion, worsening toxicity
- NSAIDs: Reduces lithium excretion, increasing the risk of toxicity
- Theophylline: May increase the excretion of lithium, potentially reducing efficacy
- Neostigmine: Lithium antagonizes the effects of neostigmine
- Pyridostigmine: Lithium antagonizes the effects of pyridostigmine
- Diltiazem: Concurrent administration may result in neurotoxicity
- Verapamil: Concurrent administration may result in neurotoxicity
Frequently asked questions
What is Lithium used for in pets?
Give this medication **with food** to reduce stomach upset. It may take **up to 4 weeks** before the medication starts working to improve your dog's blood cell counts. Watch your dog closely for signs of excessive drinking and urination, muscle weakness, extreme tiredness, or seizures, and contact your veterinarian immediately if these occur. **Do not give this medication to cats**, as it is highly toxic to them. Keep all follow-up appointments, as your dog will need regular blood tests to check the drug levels and thyroid function.
Is Lithium safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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