Lithium cation

Identification

Summary

Lithium cation is a drug used for the management of bipolar disorder and other psychiatric conditions.

Generic Name
Lithium cation
DrugBank Accession Number
DB01356
Background

Lithium was used during the 19th century to treat gout. Lithium salts such as lithium carbonate (Li2CO3), lithium citrate, and lithium orotate are mood stabilizers. They are used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, since unlike most other mood altering drugs, they counteract both mania and depression. Lithium can also be used to augment other antidepressant drugs. It is also sometimes prescribed as a preventive treatment for migraine disease and cluster headaches. The active principle in these salts is the lithium ion Li+, which having a smaller diameter, can easily displace K+ and Na+ and even Ca+2, in spite of its greater charge, occupying their sites in several critical neuronal enzymes and neurotransmitter receptors.

Type
Small Molecule
Groups
Experimental
Structure
Weight
Average: 6.941
Monoisotopic: 7.016004049
Chemical Formula
Li
Synonyms
  • Li(+)
  • Lithium ion
  • Lithium, ion
  • Lithium, ion (li1+)

Pharmacology

Indication

Lithium, in its salt forms, is used as a mood stabilizer and for the treatment of depression and mania. It is most frequently prescribed in the treatment of bipolar disorder.

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Associated Conditions
Indication TypeIndicationCombined Product DetailsApproval LevelAge GroupPatient CharacteristicsDose Form
Management ofBipolar depression••• •••••
Management ofBipolar disorder••••••••••••
Management ofDepression••• •••••
Management ofManic episode••••••••••••
Contraindications & Blackbox Warnings
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Pharmacodynamics

Although lithium has been used for over 50 years in treatment of bipolar disorder, the 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.

Mechanism of action

The precise mechanism of action of Li+ as a mood-stabilizing agent is currently unknown. It is possible that Li+ produces its effects by interacting with the transport of monovalent or divalent cations in neurons. An increasing number of scientists have come to the conclusion that the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate is the key factor in understanding how lithium works. Lithium has been shown to change the inward and outward currents of glutamate receptors (especially GluR3), without a shift in reversal potential. Lithium has been found to exert a dual effect on glutamate receptors, acting to keep the amount of glutamate active between cells at a stable, healthy level, neither too much nor too little. It is postulated that too much glutamate in the space between neurons causes mania, and too little, depression. Another mechanism by which lithium might help to regulate mood include the non-competitive inhibition of an enzyme called inositol monophosphatase. Alternately lithium's action may be enhanced through the deactivation of the GSK-3B enzyme. The regulation of GSK-3B by lithium may affect the circadian clock. GSK-3 is known for phosphorylating and thus inactivating glycogen synthase. GSK-3B has also been implicated in the control of cellular response to damaged DNA. GSK-3 normally phosphorylates beta catenin, which leads to beta catenin degratation. When GSK-3 is inhibited, beta catenin increases and transgenic mice with overexpression of beta catenin express similar behaviour to mice treated with lithium. These results suggest that increase of beta catenin may be a possible pathway for the therapeutic action of lithium.

TargetActionsOrganism
UGlycogen synthase kinase-3 beta
inhibitor
Humans
UInositol monophosphatase 1
inhibitor
Humans
UInositol monophosphatase 2
inhibitor
Humans
UGlutamate receptor 3
potentiator
Humans
Absorption

Not Available

Volume of distribution

Not Available

Protein binding

Not Available

Metabolism
Not Available
Route of elimination

Not Available

Half-life

Not Available

Clearance

Not Available

Adverse Effects
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Toxicity

Not Available

Pathways
Not Available
Pharmacogenomic Effects/ADRs
Not Available

Interactions

Drug Interactions
This information should not be interpreted without the help of a healthcare provider. If you believe you are experiencing an interaction, contact a healthcare provider immediately. The absence of an interaction does not necessarily mean no interactions exist.
DrugInteraction
1,2-BenzodiazepineThe risk or severity of CNS depression can be increased when Lithium cation is combined with 1,2-Benzodiazepine.
AbacavirLithium cation may decrease the excretion rate of Abacavir which could result in a higher serum level.
AceclofenacThe risk or severity of nephrotoxicity can be increased when Lithium cation is combined with Aceclofenac.
AcemetacinThe risk or severity of nephrotoxicity can be increased when Lithium cation is combined with Acemetacin.
AcenocoumarolThe risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Lithium cation is combined with Acenocoumarol.
Food Interactions
Not Available

Products

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Categories

Drug Categories
Chemical TaxonomyProvided by Classyfire
Description
This compound belongs to the class of inorganic compounds known as homogeneous alkali metal compounds. These are inorganic compounds containing only metal atoms,with the largest atom being a alkali metal atom.
Kingdom
Inorganic compounds
Super Class
Homogeneous metal compounds
Class
Homogeneous alkali metal compounds
Sub Class
Not Available
Direct Parent
Homogeneous alkali metal compounds
Alternative Parents
Not Available
Substituents
Homogeneous alkali metal
Molecular Framework
Not Available
External Descriptors
alkali metal cation, monovalent inorganic cation, monoatomic monocation (CHEBI:49713) / a cation (LI+)
Affected organisms
Not Available

Chemical Identifiers

UNII
8H8Z5UER66
CAS number
7439-93-2
InChI Key
HBBGRARXTFLTSG-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/Li/q+1
IUPAC Name
lithium(1+) ion
SMILES
[Li+]

References

Synthesis Reference

Jean-Paul Gabano, "Electrolyte for a lithium/thionyl chloride electric cell, a method of preparing said electrolyte and an electric cell which includes said electrolyte." U.S. Patent US4375502, issued 0000.

US4375502
General References
  1. Quiroz JA, Machado-Vieira R, Zarate CA Jr, Manji HK: Novel insights into lithium's mechanism of action: neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects. Neuropsychobiology. 2010;62(1):50-60. doi: 10.1159/000314310. Epub 2010 May 7. [Article]
  2. ILO: Lithium [Link]
Human Metabolome Database
HMDB0005949
KEGG Compound
C15473
PubChem Compound
28486
PubChem Substance
46505392
ChemSpider
26502
BindingDB
50259153
RxNav
1546265
ChEBI
49713
ChEMBL
CHEMBL1234004
Therapeutic Targets Database
DNC000879
PharmGKB
PA450243
PDBe Ligand
LI
RxList
RxList Drug Page
Drugs.com
Drugs.com Drug Page
Wikipedia
Lithium
PDB Entries
1dgd / 1e5k / 1h4c / 1h4d / 1h4e / 1hjj / 1hjl / 1knw / 1mgw / 1nqj
show 96 more
FDA label
Download (200 KB)
MSDS
Download (72.1 KB)

Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials
PhaseStatusPurposeConditionsCount

Pharmacoeconomics

Manufacturers
Not Available
Packagers
  • Advanced Pharmaceutical Services Inc.
  • Amerisource Health Services Corp.
  • Anip Acquisition Co.
  • Apotex Inc.
  • Biotech Pharmaceuticals
  • Cardinal Health
  • Caremark LLC
  • Comprehensive Consultant Services Inc.
  • Coupler Enterprises Inc.
  • Dept Health Central Pharmacy
  • Direct Dispensing Inc.
  • Dispensing Solutions
  • Diversified Healthcare Services Inc.
  • Glenmark Generics Ltd.
  • Goldline Laboratories Inc.
  • Heartland Repack Services LLC
  • Hetero Drugs Ltd.
  • Hikma Pharmaceuticals
  • J T Baker
  • Kaiser Foundation Hospital
  • Lake Erie Medical and Surgical Supply
  • Liberty Pharmaceuticals
  • Major Pharmaceuticals
  • Mckesson Corp.
  • Murfreesboro Pharmaceutical Nursing Supply
  • Neuman Distributors Inc.
  • Noven Pharmaceuticals Inc.
  • Nucare Pharmaceuticals Inc.
  • Palmetto Pharmaceuticals Inc.
  • Pharmacy Service Center
  • Physicians Total Care Inc.
  • Prepackage Specialists
  • Prepak Systems Inc.
  • Rebel Distributors Corp.
  • Remedy Repack
  • Resource Optimization and Innovation LLC
  • Roxane Labs
  • Sandhills Packaging Inc.
  • Solvay Pharmaceuticals
  • Southwood Pharmaceuticals
  • Stat Rx Usa
  • Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
  • Tya Pharmaceuticals
  • UDL Laboratories
  • Vangard Labs Inc.
  • West-Ward Pharmaceuticals
Dosage Forms
FormRouteStrength
Injection, solution
Capsule
Tablet
Tablet, extended release
Prices
Unit descriptionCostUnit
Eskalith cr 450 mg tablet0.8USD tablet
Lithium Carbonate 450 mg Controlled Release Tabs0.56USD tab
Lithium Carbonate 300 mg Controlled Release Tabs0.5USD tab
Lithium Carbonate 600 mg capsule0.44USD capsule
Lithium Carbonate 300 mg capsule0.29USD capsule
Lithium Carbonate 300 mg tablet0.29USD tablet
Lithate 20 mg capsule0.28USD capsule
Lithium carb powder reagent0.27USD g
Lithium carbonate 300 mg tab0.22USD each
Lithium Carbonate 150 mg capsule0.21USD capsule
Lithium Citrate 8meq/5ml Syrup0.15USD ml
Lithium citrate 8 meq/5 ml sol0.14USD ml
Pms-Lithium Carbonate 600 mg Capsule0.14USD capsule
Carbolith 150 mg Capsule0.13USD capsule
Lithate 5 mg capsule0.12USD capsule
Lithane 150 mg Capsule0.11USD capsule
Lithane 300 mg Capsule0.11USD capsule
Carbolith 300 mg Capsule0.1USD capsule
Apo-Lithium Carbonate 150 mg Capsule0.06USD capsule
Apo-Lithium Carbonate 300 mg Capsule0.06USD capsule
Pms-Lithium Carbonate 150 mg Capsule0.06USD capsule
Pms-Lithium Carbonate 300 mg Capsule0.06USD capsule
DrugBank does not sell nor buy drugs. Pricing information is supplied for informational purposes only.
Patents
Not Available

Properties

State
Solid
Experimental Properties
PropertyValueSource
melting point (°C)180.5International Labour Organization
boiling point (°C)1336International Labour Organization
water solubilityViolent reactionInternational Labour Organization
Predicted Properties
PropertyValueSource
logP0Chemaxon
pKa (Strongest Acidic)3.09Chemaxon
Physiological Charge1Chemaxon
Hydrogen Acceptor Count0Chemaxon
Hydrogen Donor Count0Chemaxon
Polar Surface Area0 Å2Chemaxon
Rotatable Bond Count0Chemaxon
Refractivity0 m3·mol-1Chemaxon
Polarizability1.78 Å3Chemaxon
Number of Rings0Chemaxon
Bioavailability1Chemaxon
Rule of FiveYesChemaxon
Ghose FilterNoChemaxon
Veber's RuleYesChemaxon
MDDR-like RuleNoChemaxon
Predicted ADMET Features
PropertyValueProbability
Human Intestinal Absorption+0.8382
Blood Brain Barrier+0.9708
Caco-2 permeable+0.7056
P-glycoprotein substrateNon-substrate0.8831
P-glycoprotein inhibitor INon-inhibitor0.9869
P-glycoprotein inhibitor IINon-inhibitor0.9855
Renal organic cation transporterNon-inhibitor0.9199
CYP450 2C9 substrateNon-substrate0.8465
CYP450 2D6 substrateNon-substrate0.823
CYP450 3A4 substrateNon-substrate0.8094
CYP450 1A2 substrateNon-inhibitor0.8854
CYP450 2C9 inhibitorNon-inhibitor0.9224
CYP450 2D6 inhibitorNon-inhibitor0.9559
CYP450 2C19 inhibitorNon-inhibitor0.9487
CYP450 3A4 inhibitorNon-inhibitor0.9853
CYP450 inhibitory promiscuityLow CYP Inhibitory Promiscuity0.9015
Ames testNon AMES toxic0.9663
CarcinogenicityCarcinogens 0.623
BiodegradationReady biodegradable0.9031
Rat acute toxicity2.0881 LD50, mol/kg Not applicable
hERG inhibition (predictor I)Weak inhibitor0.9462
hERG inhibition (predictor II)Non-inhibitor0.9716
ADMET data is predicted using admetSAR, a free tool for evaluating chemical ADMET properties. (23092397)

Spectra

Mass Spec (NIST)
Not Available
Spectra
Not Available
Chromatographic Properties
Collision Cross Sections (CCS)
AdductCCS Value (Å2)Source typeSource
[M-H]-107.981674
predicted
DeepCCS 1.0 (2019)
[M+H]+109.7054
predicted
DeepCCS 1.0 (2019)
[M+Na]+116.530975
predicted
DeepCCS 1.0 (2019)

Targets

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insights and accelerate drug research.
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Kind
Protein
Organism
Humans
Pharmacological action
Unknown
Actions
Inhibitor
General Function
Ubiquitin protein ligase binding
Specific Function
Constitutively active protein kinase that acts as a negative regulator in the hormonal control of glucose homeostasis, Wnt signaling and regulation of transcription factors and microtubules, by pho...
Gene Name
GSK3B
Uniprot ID
P49841
Uniprot Name
Glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta
Molecular Weight
46743.865 Da
References
  1. Borsotto M, Cavarec L, Bouillot M, Romey G, Macciardi F, Delaye A, Nasroune M, Bastucci M, Sambucy JL, Luan JJ, Charpagne A, Jouet V, Leger R, Lazdunski M, Cohen D, Chumakov I: PP2A-Bgamma subunit and KCNQ2 K+ channels in bipolar disorder. Pharmacogenomics J. 2007 Apr;7(2):123-32. Epub 2006 May 30. [Article]
  2. Adli M, Hollinde DL, Stamm T, Wiethoff K, Tsahuridu M, Kirchheiner J, Heinz A, Bauer M: Response to lithium augmentation in depression is associated with the glycogen synthase kinase 3-beta -50T/C single nucleotide polymorphism. Biol Psychiatry. 2007 Dec 1;62(11):1295-302. Epub 2007 Jul 12. [Article]
  3. O'Brien WT, Klein PS: Validating GSK3 as an in vivo target of lithium action. Biochem Soc Trans. 2009 Oct;37(Pt 5):1133-8. doi: 10.1042/BST0371133. [Article]
Kind
Protein
Organism
Humans
Pharmacological action
Unknown
Actions
Inhibitor
General Function
Protein homodimerization activity
Specific Function
Responsible for the provision of inositol required for synthesis of phosphatidylinositol and polyphosphoinositides and has been implicated as the pharmacological target for lithium action in brain....
Gene Name
IMPA1
Uniprot ID
P29218
Uniprot Name
Inositol monophosphatase 1
Molecular Weight
30188.59 Da
References
  1. Sarkar S, Rubinsztein DC: Inositol and IP3 levels regulate autophagy: biology and therapeutic speculations. Autophagy. 2006 Apr-Jun;2(2):132-4. Epub 2006 Apr 6. [Article]
  2. Trinquet E, Fink M, Bazin H, Grillet F, Maurin F, Bourrier E, Ansanay H, Leroy C, Michaud A, Durroux T, Maurel D, Malhaire F, Goudet C, Pin JP, Naval M, Hernout O, Chretien F, Chapleur Y, Mathis G: D-myo-inositol 1-phosphate as a surrogate of D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-tris phosphate to monitor G protein-coupled receptor activation. Anal Biochem. 2006 Nov 1;358(1):126-35. Epub 2006 Aug 30. [Article]
  3. Ohnishi T, Ohba H, Seo KC, Im J, Sato Y, Iwayama Y, Furuichi T, Chung SK, Yoshikawa T: Spatial expression patterns and biochemical properties distinguish a second myo-inositol monophosphatase IMPA2 from IMPA1. J Biol Chem. 2007 Jan 5;282(1):637-46. Epub 2006 Oct 26. [Article]
  4. Tanizawa Y, Kuhara A, Inada H, Kodama E, Mizuno T, Mori I: Inositol monophosphatase regulates localization of synaptic components and behavior in the mature nervous system of C. elegans. Genes Dev. 2006 Dec 1;20(23):3296-310. [Article]
  5. Ohnishi T, Yamada K, Ohba H, Iwayama Y, Toyota T, Hattori E, Inada T, Kunugi H, Tatsumi M, Ozaki N, Iwata N, Sakamoto K, Iijima Y, Iwata Y, Tsuchiya KJ, Sugihara G, Nanko S, Osumi N, Detera-Wadleigh SD, Kato T, Yoshikawa T: A promoter haplotype of the inositol monophosphatase 2 gene (IMPA2) at 18p11.2 confers a possible risk for bipolar disorder by enhancing transcription. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2007 Aug;32(8):1727-37. Epub 2007 Jan 24. [Article]
  6. Li Z, Stieglitz KA, Shrout AL, Wei Y, Weis RM, Stec B, Roberts MF: Mobile loop mutations in an archaeal inositol monophosphatase: modulating three-metal ion assisted catalysis and lithium inhibition. Protein Sci. 2010 Feb;19(2):309-18. doi: 10.1002/pro.315. [Article]
Kind
Protein
Organism
Humans
Pharmacological action
Unknown
Actions
Inhibitor
General Function
Protein homodimerization activity
Specific Function
Can use myo-inositol monophosphates, scylloinositol 1,4-diphosphate, glucose-1-phosphate, beta-glycerophosphate, and 2'-AMP as substrates. Has been implicated as the pharmacological target for lith...
Gene Name
IMPA2
Uniprot ID
O14732
Uniprot Name
Inositol monophosphatase 2
Molecular Weight
31320.525 Da
References
  1. Cryns K, Shamir A, Shapiro J, Daneels G, Goris I, Van Craenendonck H, Straetemans R, Belmaker RH, Agam G, Moechars D, Steckler T: Lack of lithium-like behavioral and molecular effects in IMPA2 knockout mice. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2007 Apr;32(4):881-91. Epub 2006 Jul 12. [Article]
  2. Ohnishi T, Ohba H, Seo KC, Im J, Sato Y, Iwayama Y, Furuichi T, Chung SK, Yoshikawa T: Spatial expression patterns and biochemical properties distinguish a second myo-inositol monophosphatase IMPA2 from IMPA1. J Biol Chem. 2007 Jan 5;282(1):637-46. Epub 2006 Oct 26. [Article]
  3. Ohnishi T, Yamada K, Ohba H, Iwayama Y, Toyota T, Hattori E, Inada T, Kunugi H, Tatsumi M, Ozaki N, Iwata N, Sakamoto K, Iijima Y, Iwata Y, Tsuchiya KJ, Sugihara G, Nanko S, Osumi N, Detera-Wadleigh SD, Kato T, Yoshikawa T: A promoter haplotype of the inositol monophosphatase 2 gene (IMPA2) at 18p11.2 confers a possible risk for bipolar disorder by enhancing transcription. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2007 Aug;32(8):1727-37. Epub 2007 Jan 24. [Article]
Kind
Protein
Organism
Humans
Pharmacological action
Unknown
Actions
Potentiator
General Function
Extracellular-glutamate-gated ion channel activity
Specific Function
Receptor for glutamate that functions as ligand-gated ion channel in the central nervous system and plays an important role in excitatory synaptic transmission. L-glutamate acts as an excitatory ne...
Gene Name
GRIA3
Uniprot ID
P42263
Uniprot Name
Glutamate receptor 3
Molecular Weight
101155.975 Da
References
  1. Karkanias NB, Papke RL: Lithium modulates desensitization of the glutamate receptor subtype gluR3 in Xenopus oocytes. Neurosci Lett. 1999 Dec 31;277(3):153-6. [Article]

Drug created at July 06, 2007 19:50 / Updated at March 18, 2024 16:48