Lithium Carbonate Extended-release Tablets, USP contain lithium carbonate, USP, a white granular powder with molecular formula Li 2 CO 3 and molecular weight 73.89. Lithium is an element of the alkali-metal group with atomic number 3, atomic weight 6.94 and an emission line at 671 nm on the flame photometer. Lithium Carbonate Extended-release Tablets, USP are available for oral administration containing 300 mg of lithium carbonate USP. This slowly dissolving, film-coated tablet is designed to give lower serum lithium peak concentrations than obtained with conventional oral lithium dosage forms. Each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: calcium stearate, Opadry II (Beige), povidone, sodium chloride, sodium lauryl sulfate and sorbitol. Opadry II (Beige) contains: hypromellose, polydextrose, polyethylene glycol, red iron oxide, titanium dioxide, triacetin and yellow iron oxide. The tablets meet the requirements of USP Dissolution Test 5 in the USP monograph for Lithium Carbonate Extended-release Tablets USP, 300 mg.

What kind of drug is lithium?

The FDA classifies lithium as a mood stabilizer. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.

Can you take lithium with other medicines?

It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run lithium against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.

What brand names is lithium sold under?

We track 5 lithium-containing products in the U.S.: Lithium Carbonate, Eskalith, Eskalith CR, Lithonate and Lithotabs. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.

What forms does lithium come in?

Across the brands we track, lithium is currently marketed as capsule, tablet, tablet, extended release and syrup, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.

Is there a generic lithium?

Yes. Our catalog lists 1 generic lithium product alongside the brand versions. A generic has the same active ingredient and must meet the FDA's bioequivalence standard; it usually costs less. Ask your pharmacist which one your plan covers.

Lithium: uses, dosing, side effects & brands

Lithium is a mood stabilizer sold in the U.S. under 5 brand and generic names, for bipolar disorder, depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorders. Below: what the FDA label says, every product that contains it, what the pills look like, and its recall record.

By the pharmaranks editorial teamReviewed against the FDA (openFDA label, NDC Directory & Enforcement) sourcesHow we research

Key facts

Drug class: Mood Stabilizer
Treats: Bipolar Disorder, Depressive Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders
Available as: Capsule · Tablet · Tablet, extended release · Syrup
Sold as: 5 products — Lithium Carbonate, Eskalith and Eskalith CR, and others
Prescription?: Prescription only
Generic available?: Yes
Typical price: about $6 for a 30-count supply
Boxed warning: Boxed warning

How lithium is dosed

From the FDA label for Lithium Carbonate (application NDA016834). Other lithium products — different forms, different strengths — are dosed differently. Follow the label for the one you were prescribed.

Acute Mania Optimal patient response can usually be established with 1800 mg/day in the following dosages: ACUTE MANIA Morning Afternoon Nighttime Lithium Carbonate Extended-Release Tablets 1 3 tabs (900 mg) 3 tabs (900 mg) 1. Can also be administered on 600 mg TID recommended dosing interval. Such doses will normally produce an effective serum lithium concentration ranging between 1 and 1.5 mEq/L. Dosage must be individualized according to serum concentrations and clinical response. Regular monitoring of the patient’s clinical state and of serum lithium concentrations is necessary. Serum concentrations should be determined twice per week during the acute phase, and until the serum concentrations and clinical condition of the patient have been stabilized. Long-Term Control Desirable serum lithium concentrations are 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L which can usually be achieved with 900 to 1200 mg/day. Dosage will vary from one individual to another, but generally the following dosages will maintain this concentration: LONG-TERM CONTROL Morning Afternoon Nighttime Lithium Carbonate Extended-Release Tablets 1 2 tabs (600 mg) 2 tabs (600 mg) 1. Can be administered on TID recommended dosing interval up to 1200 mg/day. Serum lithium concentrations in uncomplicated cases receiving maintenance therapy during remission should be monitored at least every two months. Patients abnormally sensitive to…

Lithium side effects

The occurrence and severity of adverse reactions are generally directly related to serum lithium concentrations and to individual patient sensitivity to lithium. They generally occur more frequently and with greater severity at higher concentrations. Adverse reactions may be encountered at serum lithium concentrations below 1.5 mEq/L. Mild to moderate adverse reactions may occur at concentrations from 1.5 to 2.5 mEq/L, and moderate to severe reactions may be seen at concentrations from 2 mEq/L and above. Fine hand tremor, polyuria and mild thirst may occur during initial therapy for the acute manic phase and may persist throughout treatment. Transient and mild nausea and general discomfort may also appear during the first few days of lithium administration. These side effects usually subside with continued treatment or with a temporary reduction or cessation of dosage. If persistent, a cessation of lithium therapy may be required. Diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, muscular weakness and lack of coordination may be early signs of lithium intoxication, and can occur at lithium concentrations below 2 mEq/L. At higher concentrations, giddiness, ataxia, blurred vision, tinnitus and a large output of dilute urine may be seen. Serum lithium concentrations above 3 mEq/L may produce a complex clinical picture involving multiple organs and organ systems. Serum lithium concentrations should…

Every lithium product we track (5)

Same active ingredient — different manufacturer, form, price and FDA recall record. That last one is what our independent score measures.

Lithium products
#	Drug	Rating	Type	Form	Generic?	Typical price
1	Lithium Carbonate Boxed warning	56/100	Prescription	Capsule	Generic	$6	View →
2

What lithium pills look like

Imprint codes, colour and shape from the FDA’s labelling data. Match the imprint on your pill — or search any imprint.

Lithium pill imprints
Imprint	Strength	Colour	Shape	Maker
54;107	300 mg	brown	round	—
54;346	450 mg	white	round	—
54;702	600 mg	white	capsule	—
600;G222	600 mg	gray, pink	capsule	—
300;G221	300 mg	pink	capsule	—
54;463	300 mg

Frequently asked questions

What is lithium?: Lithium Carbonate Extended-release Tablets, USP contain lithium carbonate, USP, a white granular powder with molecular formula Li 2 CO 3 and molecular weight 73.89. Lithium is an element of the alkali-metal group with atomic number 3, atomic weight 6.94 and an emission line at 671 nm on the flame photometer. Lithium Carbonate Extended-release Tablets, USP are available for oral administration containing 300 mg of lithium carbonate USP. This slowly dissolving, film-coated tablet is designed to give lower serum lithium peak concentrations than obtained with conventional oral lithium dosage forms. Each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: calcium stearate, Opadry II (Beige), povidone, sodium chloride, sodium lauryl sulfate and sorbitol. Opadry II (Beige) contains: hypromellose, polydextrose, polyethylene glycol, red iron oxide, titanium dioxide, triacetin and yellow iron oxide. The tablets meet the requirements of USP Dissolution Test 5 in the USP monograph for Lithium Carbonate Extended-release Tablets USP, 300 mg.
What kind of drug is lithium?: The FDA classifies lithium as a mood stabilizer. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.
Can you take lithium with other medicines?: It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run lithium against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.
What brand names is lithium sold under?: We track 5 lithium-containing products in the U.S.: Lithium Carbonate, Eskalith, Eskalith CR, Lithonate and Lithotabs. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.
What forms does lithium come in?: Across the brands we track, lithium is currently marketed as capsule, tablet, tablet, extended release and syrup, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.

Sources: FDA openFDA drug label, National Drug Code Directory, and Enforcement (recall) database. This page reproduces public FDA data and is not medical advice. Dosing is set by your prescriber.