Lithium and Hypertension

Lithium has long established uses in the treatment of bipolar disorders. However, it also has the potential of adversely affecting various body systems and contributing to blood pressure changes.

Description

• Rx List describes lithium as an alkali metal. Alkali metals are very reactive and do not usually exist in their free form in nature, but rather combine to other compounds.

Drug Forms

• Prescription lithium generally exists as lithium carbonate, according to the 2010 Mosby's Nursing Drug Guide. Over-the-counter forms include such lithium salts as lithium orotate and lithium aspartate.

Common Cardiovascular Effects

• The 2010 Mosby's Drug Guide notes that lithium toxicity most commonly leads to a collapse of the circulatory system. Hypotension (low blood pressure), coupled with heart rate disturbances, is a more frequent toxic manifestation than hypertension (high blood pressure)

Atypical Cardiovascular Effects

• According to Haddad and Winchester's Clinical Management of Poisoning and Drug Overdose textbook, patients on lithium therapy may sometimes experience hypertension. This effect, however, is mild and reversible.

Toxicity Levels

• Physicians usually divide the severity of lithium toxicity into three grades: mild, moderate and severe. Along with coma, seizures and hyperthermia (high body temperature), hypotension indicates severe intoxication, says Haddad and Winchester's "Clinical Management of Poisoning and Drug Overdose" textbook.

Considerations

• Rx List notes a direct association between the severity of adverse effects and blood levels of lithium. Also, Haddad and Winchester's textbook indicates that even treatment levels of lithium can have toxic effects on sensitive individuals, particularly the elderly.